Former Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, has urged the incoming leadership at the ministry to uphold integrity and avoid mismanagement of public resources.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the ministry headquarters in Kampala, Katumba defended his record over more than eight years of service, saying he is leaving office with a clear conscience.
He stated that he would confidently withstand any investigation into his tenure, insisting that he managed the ministry’s affairs with honesty and professionalism.
He cautioned incoming ministers against becoming entangled in questionable transactions and advised them to rely on technical officers for matters requiring specialized expertise.
“Let the Permanent Secretary and other technical people handle that. Please do not find yourself in a position where you are questioned and have to account for things you do not fully understand,” Katumba said.
He commended the ministry’s Permanent Secretary and technical staff for guiding him through complex administrative processes and helping him avoid decisions that could have exposed him to legal or ethical challenges.
Katumba also encouraged the new leadership to closely monitor the release of funds allocated to the ministry, noting that actual disbursements often fall short of budgeted figures due to revenue shortfalls at the Ministry of Finance.
The outgoing minister highlighted several key infrastructure projects requiring urgent attention, particularly those linked to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
These include the construction of a passenger terminal at Hoima International Airport and critical road projects intended to support the tournament.
“There is a passenger terminal that must be delivered at the airport in Hoima by January 2027, alongside other roads necessary for the smooth hosting of the tournament. Please ensure that we do not disappoint on this front,” he said.
Incoming Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama, who previously served as a junior minister under Katumba, praised the outgoing minister for fostering teamwork and harmony within the ministry leadership.
Katumba, who has been appointed Minister of Public Service and is expected to retire from the military in July 2026, said he will continue advocating for staff welfare even in his new role.
He also urged the incoming team to intensify efforts to reduce road accidents, describing road carnage as one of Uganda’s most pressing public safety challenges.
The new leadership team at the ministry includes Musa Ali Siraje as State Minister for Works and Julius Maganda Wandera as State Minister for Transport, replacing Fred Byamukama, who has been elevated to Cabinet Minister for Works and Transport.