By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has called on the government to halt the swearing-in of ministers-designate whose qualifications were questioned during the parliamentary vetting process.
Speaking on Monday, FDC leaders argued that allowing the affected nominees to take office would be unlawful and could undermine Parliament’s authority and public trust in constitutional processes.
Last week, Parliament’s Appointments Committee declined to approve the nomination of Dr Lawrence Muganga, the vice chancellor of Victoria University, for the position of State Minister for Internal Affairs over allegations of multiple citizenship.
However, other nominees, including Shartsi Musherure Kuteesa, Adonia Ayebare and Sanjay Tanna, were approved despite concerns that they held dual citizenship and were still in the process of renouncing their foreign citizenship.
FDC deputy president for Western Uganda, Robert Centenary said individuals can only qualify for ministerial appointment after fully complying with constitutional requirements.
“A person can only qualify when the process has been concluded. Therefore, I would implore the Government to halt the swearing-in of these people because it can be challenged in courts of law,” Centenary said.
He warned that the party would pursue legal action if the Government proceeds with swearing in individuals who have not fully met the constitutional requirements.
“As a party, we shall not hesitate to follow the due process of the law to ensure that foreign agents are not allowed to participate in government actions and the affairs of this country,” he added, citing clauses in the newly assented Sovereignty and Protection Law.
The ministers-designate took oaths today (June 8) at State House, Entebbe, following the vetting of 80 Cabinet appointees by Parliament.
FDC vice-chairperson for Buganda Ibrahim Kasoozi said the party had already consulted lawyers and was prepared to challenge the appointments in court.
“Nobody is above the law. If they go ahead and swear them in, we shall go to court. We have contacted lawyers,” Kasoozi said.
The party also raised concerns over the nomination of First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni and Maguda Ikwia, whom it claims did not appear before the Appointments Committee for vetting.
According to FDC, failure to appear before the committee renders a nomination invalid.
“The law is very clear that the moment you don’t show up, then your appointment is void and null,” Centenary said.
The FDC urged the Government to respect the constitutional vetting process and avoid swearing in any nominee who has not been duly approved by Parliament.
“Let me hope you are not going to give us another surprise of a minister who has not been vetted by Parliament being sworn in today without following the due process,” he said.
The Government had not responded to the FDC claims by press time.
