Museveni secretary clarifies error on new minister Milly Babalanda's name

President Museveni's secretary   has clarified on an error earlier made in the name of  Milly Babalanda who was appointed as the  new Minister for Presidency.

The approval of Mariam Dhoka Babalanda as Minister for Presidency on Monday remained  pending after being halted due to inconsistencies in her academic papers and names.

The query came after the name sent by President Museveni indicated the new minister was Mariam Doka Babalanda whereas her academic documents read Milly Babirye Babalanda.

This prompted the Appointments Committee of Parliament to halt her vetting until the anomaly is cleared.

However, a letter by Dr. Kenneth Omona, the Principal Private Secretary to the president submitted to the Clerk to Parliament has clarified an error earlier made in the name noting that there had been a mix up of the names when the list was submitted for approval.

“This is to clarify that the correct names are Mrs Babirye Milly Babalanda and not Mariam Doka Babalanda. I therefore confirm that his Excellency appointed Babirye Milly Babalanda as minister in charge of presidency,” the letter reads in part.

Earlier, there was a mismatch in the new minister’s academic documents in which it was indicated that she had eight subjects instead of 10.

However, UNEB wrote to clarify the discrepancies saying the mature entry option has the option of one taking only eight subjects and not necessarily all the 10.

The examination body said Babalanda didn’t take Physics and Chemistry which were optional for mature entry, having sat for O-level in 2017 at Makerere Day and Evening Adult School.

She will now return to the Appointments Committee of Parliament to confirm her parliament after the query was rectified.