Newly appointed State Minister for Public Service, Lydia Wanyoto, has expressed gratitude to President Museveni for entrusting her with a cabinet position, describing the appointment as a rare privilege among millions of Ugandans and hundreds of Members of Parliament.
Wanyoto made the remarks during Eid celebrations held in Mbale, where she pledged to serve diligently and uphold the image and interests of the Bugisu sub-region at the national level.
Her appointment, alongside that of Simon Mulongo as State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, gives the Bugisu sub-region two slots in the newly announced cabinet.
“I thank the people of Mbale City once again for voting for me. The President has recognised your effort and appointed me minister in the Ministry of Public Service. This is a big national responsibility, and it has come home,” Wanyoto said.
She described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, saying she would work to justify the confidence entrusted in her by both the President and the people who elected her.
The Eid gathering attracted religious leaders, political leaders, and members of the Muslim community, who used the occasion to congratulate the new minister.
Deputy Mufti for Eastern Uganda, Ahmad Hamid Wandega, echoed Wanyoto’s gratitude and thanked President Museveni for considering leaders from the region in the new cabinet lineup.
“I thank the Head of State for appointing our own minister. Scriptures teach us gratitude. Whoever appreciates the little can be considered for greater reward. We are grateful,” Wandega said.
Wanyoto’s appointment has been welcomed by sections of leaders in Bugisu, who view it as an opportunity for the region to strengthen its voice within government and lobby for improved service delivery and development priorities.
However, others argue that the appointment of two state ministers without a full cabinet minister reflects a decline in the region’s national recognition within government.
Wanyoto previously served in various regional and international roles and returns to cabinet at a time when government is emphasizing public service efficiency and accountability.
Her victory in the Mbale Woman MP race marked a major turning point in her political career, propelling her from regional and party structures into elective politics with a strong national profile. The win not only revived her political momentum but also positioned her for greater influence within government, culminating in her latest cabinet appointment.
The election victory was equally significant for President Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement, as Mbale City had for years been regarded as an opposition stronghold. Wanyoto’s triumph was viewed by party supporters as a breakthrough for the NRM in an urban constituency where opposition candidates had traditionally enjoyed strong support.