The number of ministers approved

Parliament has approved the expansion of the cabinet from 21 to 31 for cabinet ministers and from 31 to 49 for ministers of State. This brings the entire number to 80 ministers, the largest number in Uganda’s political history.

The motion to increase the cabinet was tabled by Kiboga woman MP Ruth Nankabirwa and seconded by Kassanda South MP, Simeo Nsubuga and supported by majority members from the ruling National Resistance Movement as  those from the opposition rejected it.
Leader of opposition in parliament Winnie Kiiza cautioned that Uganda needs better services and not a huge cabinet. Other members  mainly from  the opposition we have talked to including Abdu Katuntu, Sempala Kigozi of Makindye Sabagabo, Lutamaguzi Semakula of Nakaseke among several others are concerned that the increment will stretch tax payers due to heavy expenditure on public administration. Nankabirwa however says that the population has grown with more administrative units including constituencies and municipalities and thus the need to expand cabinet.

This afternoon, parliaments appointments committee is slated to commence the vetting exercise for the cabinet ministers.