As Parliament’s Appointments Committee cleared 80 ministerial nominees, the spotlight quickly shifted to their pledges for the new term. From promises to strengthen service delivery and root out corruption, to commitments on boosting revenue, the ministers outlined an ambitious agenda aimed at transforming governance and accelerating national development.

After two days of the vetting process and with yesterday marking the last day of the vetting exercise for the cabinet and other ministerial positions for the new government, Parliament's Appointments Committee approved 80 out of 82 ministerial nominees appointed by the president last week. However, out of the 82, two were not cleared, citing absence for one nominee and the other over unresolved issues.

Among those vetted were the third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Hon. Lukia Nakadama, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Attorney General, Hon. Sam Mayanja and the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Crispus Kiyonga, among others.
After their vetting, we had an interaction with several of the nominees over the past two days, who outlined their priorities for their portfolios come the new term. Across the board, the nominees pledged to focus on strengthening service delivery, fighting corruption, revitalising key sectors of the economy, and advancing social development, among other Commitments. Speaking to the media, Henry Musasizi, the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, stated that through the Finance Ministry, the government will focus on increasing Uganda's tax-to-GDP ratio while strengthening wealth creation initiatives.

The Works and Transport Minister, Hon. Fred Byamukama, identified corruption as one of the major obstacles affecting project implementation in the transport sector and pledged to tackle the vice. He also said his ministry would prioritise completion of the Standard Gauge Railway as well as rehabilitation of the Meter Gauge Railway, alongside ensuring the completion of delayed and abandoned road projects.

High on the agenda of some of the newly appointed ministers is combating corruption. The State Minister for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere, said action would be taken on errant officers in local governments, noting that several whistleblowers have already reported incidents of corruption.

Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, who was nominated for the position of Minister of State for Mineral Development, pledged to promote the development of Uganda's natural resources to deliver tangible benefits to citizens and enhance national prosperity.

On the other hand, Balaam Barugahara, the Minister of Local Government‑designate, pledged to strengthen service delivery and tackle corruption. He emphasised that with new leadership in place, cases of graft would be decisively addressed.

As provided for in Rule 173 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, which states that the committee shall be responsible for approving, on behalf of Parliament, the appointment of persons nominated for appointment by the President. The Speaker of Parliament must officially inform the President in writing within three working days about the outcome for each nominee.