The newly elected Chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus in the 12th Parliament, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, has said the Tuesday cabinet appointments by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni do not adequately reflect the importance and contribution of the West Nile region.
Fungaroo, who is also the Obongi District Member of Parliament and Deputy President of the Forum for Democratic Change in Northern Uganda, said although the region appreciates the appointments, West Nile deserved stronger representation at cabinet level, not only state minister positions.
“We congratulate those appointed, but West Nile deserved better representation. At least two full cabinet ministers would have reflected the importance of the region,” Fungaroo said.
He argued that the appointment of six state ministers alone may not effectively serve the interests of the region, which has a population of nearly four million people and strategic importance in trade and regional security.
“West Nile is a strategic region for business, trade, and commerce between Uganda and South Sudan. It is a key region in Uganda and deserves full cabinet ministers and senior government positions,” he stated.
Among the notable appointments from the region is Huda Abason Oleru, who was named Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in charge of Veteran Affairs.
Phiona Nyamutoro was appointed Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development in charge of Minerals, while Dr. Charles Ayume was named Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care.
President Museveni also appointed Yorke Odria Alioni as Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance in charge of National Guidance.
In the Ministry of Works and Transport, Siraji Musa Ali was appointed Minister of State for Works. Siraji is the son of veteran politician and Adjumani West County Member of Parliament Gen. Moses Ali.
Meanwhile, Tom Aza Aleru was appointed Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives in charge of Cooperatives.
Despite the appointments, Fungaroo noted that West Nile still lacks stronger representation in top government positions such as full cabinet ministers and permanent secretaries.
“The appointments do not fully reflect the outlook and expectations of a region that has consistently supported the ruling NRM government,” he said.
Fungaroo also revealed that many people in West Nile over the years had expected Gen. Moses Ali to eventually be appointed Vice President because of his long service and influence in government, but he missed out on the opportunity over the years and was dropped in the Tuesday cabinet appointments.
“All these people expected Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali to become Vice President over the years, but that has never happened,” Fungaroo added.
The West Nile Parliamentary Caucus currently comprises 40 Members of Parliament drawn from the greater West Nile region.
