By Our Staff Reporter

ENTEBBE, UGANDA — August 11, 2026
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has presided over the swearing-in of three newly appointed ministers at State House Entebbe, urging them to fight corruption, improve efficiency and strengthen accountability in government institutions.

The ministers sworn into office are Amb. Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance; and Hon. Witonze Juma, Minister of State for Internal Affairs.

Before assuming their respective offices, the three ministers took and subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of a Minister, in accordance with Article 115 of the Constitution and the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.

Addressing the newly appointed ministers, President Museveni congratulated them on their appointments and challenged them to prioritise the fight against corruption and inefficiency across government institutions.

He said restoring integrity in public service requires effective supervision, discipline and accountability, noting that some of the challenges affecting government institutions are caused by negligence or the direct involvement of civil servants and political leaders in corrupt practices.

Museveni speaks on dual citizenship

During the ceremony, President Museveni also reiterated the government’s position on dual citizenship, calling for a clear understanding of Uganda’s historical experiences that shaped its citizenship policies.

The President recalled periods of political instability following the 1966 crisis involving the Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Muteesa II, and the subsequent regime of former President Idi Amin, which forced many Ugandans into exile.

According to Museveni, the restoration of peace under the NRM Government contributed to the development of a more structured approach to citizenship, particularly regarding Ugandans living in neighbouring countries.

“The dual citizenship arrangement was introduced to address a difficult history. But one must choose where their loyalty lies,” Museveni said, while linking the issue to Uganda’s wider regional integration agenda.

He argued that people should have a clear sense of national loyalty and pointed to the proposed East African Federation as a possible long-term solution to some of the challenges surrounding identity, citizenship and regional integration.

The President said Uganda remains committed to promoting deeper integration among East African countries, including the eventual establishment of an East African Federation.

Kamuntu congratulates new ministers

Minister for Internal Affairs Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu thanked President Museveni for fulfilling his constitutional mandate by appointing the remaining ministers.

Kamuntu also commended the President for his patience in handling issues surrounding dual citizenship and urged the newly sworn-in ministers to work closely with other government officials in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.

He encouraged the ministers to contribute to the government’s efforts to transform the country and achieve middle-income status during the current term.

The ministers were presented to President Museveni for the swearing-in ceremony by Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, relatives and family members of the newly appointed ministers.