Africa-Press – Uganda. Parliament’s Appointments Committee has approved Juma Witonze Kisekka to serve as State Minister for Internal Affairs, replacing Dr Lawrence Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, whose nomination for the same position was not approved.
The committee, which sat behind closed doors on Thursday, was chaired by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth and deputised by his deputy Thomas Tayebwa.
Appearing before the committee, Witonze pledged to prioritise the fight against corruption across all departments under the Ministry of Internal Affairs once he assumes office.
“I want to thank His Excellency President Museveni and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the confidence and trust they have placed in me by nominating me to serve as State Minister for Internal Affairs,” Witonze told journalists.
“Once I am sworn in and assume office, my immediate focus will be to fight corruption in all departments under this ministry, in line with the directives that the President has issued since being sworn in for this term.”
On concerns surrounding allegations of torture and recent cases of abductions, Witonze said he would first acquaint himself with the facts before taking any action.
“I have heard the concerns raised about torture and abductions. I will study these matters thoroughly once I am in office so that I can respond appropriately and in accordance with the law,” he said.
Several members of the committee welcomed the nomination, describing Witonze as a hardworking and trustworthy leader.
“He is a committed cadre and a man of the people. The country expects a lot from him in this docket, especially in service delivery and restoring public confidence,” one MP said during the session.
Witonze, who currently serves as Chairperson of Youth in Gomba District, joined active politics after contesting in this month’s East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) elections on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, where he lost in the party primaries. His appointment now awaits formal swearing-in before he officially assumes office.
