The absence of 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga was a no show as several ministers took the oath of office yesterday at Kololo Independence Grounds.
While Kadaga was not indicated among those who missed the ceremony over COVID-19 related reasons, her camp has not come out to openly clear the air regarding her conspicuous absence.
At least 16 ministers were absent for the ceremony and these according to Government Chief whip Thomas Tayebwa, were either in isolation or had tested positive.
“I know a number of them, they have not tested positive but someone on their team has. Some it is their bodyguards or driver and this, of course, means they have to isolate,” Tayebwa said.
According to the guidelines from the State House, attendees were supposed to test and present negative Covid-19 results before attending the event.
Those who missed the swearing-in ceremony are; Rebecca Kadaga,the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Affairs; Babirye Milly Babalanda, the Minister for Presidency; Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the Attorney-General; the minister of Public Service, Muruli Mukasa; Foreign Affairs State Minister in Charge of Regional Affairs, John Mulimba; the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness & Refugees, Hilary Onek; Judith Nabakooba, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Dr. Monica Musenero the Minister in the Office of the President.
Others were: Evelyn Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Privatization and Investment); the Minister of State for Health (Primary Health Care) Margaret Muhanga; the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs)Huda Olaro; Fred Kyakulaga, the minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (Agriculture); Henry Okello Oryem, the minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs) and Victoria Rusoke, the Minister of State for Local Government.
In the meantime, there was little mention of the glaring absence of the minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Kadaga whom the president time and again blasted especially while referring to the unsatisfactory business and corruption in the previous parliament.
“There has been a lot of corruption in parliament there, that is why I have sent Nabanjja, she is incorruptible,” Museveni bragged.
Museveni also indicated that the most important ministry this time is the East African Affairs as regional integration is a priority for the cabinet during this term of office.
Halfway through the ceremony, a member of Kadaga’s team intimated that the former speaker could have had a change of mind on her position.
“Madam Speaker will not attend the ceremony because she does not expect to be part of the cabinet,” the source at parliament claimed.
“She has changed her mind and will not take the oath,” the source added.
A few moments later, however, a handler of the former speaker indicated that indeed, Kadaga was available at the venue but was denied access.
“The Honourable Minister was ready for the event and appeared in time, but her COVID-19 results were not yet released, so she was turned back by the Special Forces Command personnel. There is, however, no need for alarm because she will be in office as designated,” the handler noted.
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