Four newly appointed ministers did not take their oaths of office on Monday during the official swearing-in ceremony held at State House, Entebbe, where President Yoweri Museveni witnessed the induction of his new Cabinet.
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, informed the President at the start of the ceremony that 78 Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State were present and ready to be sworn in.
She further disclosed that one appointee was unwell, while four others were absent and awaiting further guidance from the Presidency.
Nakyobe explained that, following a directive from the President, she together with the Solicitor General had engaged the affected nominees over the weekend and compiled a report that was forwarded to the Principal Private Secretary for review.
Although she did not publicly identify the individuals, sources indicate that among those whose swearing-in has been delayed are Adonia Ayebare, the designated Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Muganga, the designated Minister of State for Internal Affairs, and David Calvin Echodu, the designated Minister of State for International Affairs. Their cases are reportedly linked to concerns over dual citizenship.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa had earlier told journalists that four nominees had issues relating to citizenship arising during vetting by the Appointments Committee. He noted that while concerns were raised, three of the affected individuals had already begun steps to renounce their foreign citizenship.
In a related development, First Lady and Minister-designate for Education and Sports Janet Museveni did not appear before the Appointments Committee for vetting, either in person or virtually, drawing attention during the approval process.
During her address, Nakyobe reminded the incoming ministers that taking the oath of office is not a mere procedural requirement but a binding commitment to serve the nation with integrity, discipline, patriotism, and humility.
She emphasized that ministers are expected to prioritise national interests over personal considerations and to dedicate their efforts toward improving the welfare of citizens.
Nakyobe also pledged continued support from the public service in implementing government programmes and urged the new Cabinet to embrace teamwork, accountability, and close cooperation with civil servants to ensure effective service delivery.
She further announced that an induction programme for the new Cabinet would take place from June 14 to June 23 at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, where ministers will be trained in Cabinet procedures, government systems, policy coordination, and their responsibilities within the Executive.
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