Mixed reactions as new energy minister receives hero’s welcome

It was merry as elated residents of Manafwa District in Bugisu Sub-region broke into music and dance upon the arrival of Ms Mary Goretti Kitutu, who was appointed by President Museveni in the recent Cabinet reshuffle as the new minister of energy and mineral development.

When Ms Kitutu’s convoy arrived in Manafwa Town council at 3pm on Monday, business was paralysed for hours as excited residents flooded Mbale- Lwakhakha road to give her a heroine’s welcome.
They waved placards with messages praising President Museveni, blew whistles and lifted Ms Kitutu shoulder- high, shortly after she stepped out her official car.
The procession led her on foot up to her home village, Nambale in Bukusu Sub-county, which is several metres away from Manafwa town council.
Ms Kitutu, who is the current Woman MP, has been in Germany on state duties, where the news of her new assignment found her.

Ms Kitutu, an environmentalist, who formerly served as the state minister for environment, will replace Eng Irene Muloni, who had served in same capacity for more than eight years.
While addressing the residents at Manafwa District headquarters, Ms Kitutu, said her appointment was a sign of trust Mr Museveni has in Bamasaba people.
“This is a sign that president Museveni loves us and he wants us to be on the forefront of promoting growth and development in this country,” she said.
She pledged to use the position to ensure that each household gets access to electricity.

“I’m going to work to ensure that the government commitment to have each Sub-county with power is achieved,” she said.
She added that, among her other priorities, will include promoting the use of solar energy especially in the rural areas.

READ:

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The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Ahmed Washaki, said NRM government is committed to fighting household poverty through bringing on board initiatives that support economic growth and development.
Mr Washaki urged local leaders to work with government leaders in respective areas to foster unity and growth.

'Too small a number'

“The local leaders should work together with the new appointed ministers to achieve economic growth,” he said.
However, a section of residents and local leaders in the Sub-region have expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment saying two ministers from the region is a small a number given what Bamasaba have contributed to Uganda’s economic development.
The two are Ms Kitutu and Mr Micheal Werikhe Kafabusa, who was retained as state minister for trade. Mr Werikhe is the MP for Bunghokho South County in Mbale District.

The Mbale District LCV chairperson, Mr Bernard Mujasi, said they have never been rewarded for the historical role Bamasaba people played in the state capture by President Museveni in 1986.
“Historically, Bamasaba people played a big role in the state capture by President Museveni but we have been treated unfairly in this reshuffle,” Mr Mujasi said.

Mr Mujasi said it was unfortunate that president Museveni has continued to ignore the sub region region despite several reminders.
“We informed the president about our need for a ministry and other things, but unfortunately, he has done the opposite. I hope he thinks through what he has done and makes some amendments,” he said.
In the last cabinet, Bagisu sub region had three ministers, Ms Muloni for energy, Mr Werikhe for trade and Ms Kitutu for environment.

The Bududa District LCV chairperson, Mr Wilson Watira, however, said Mr Museveni rewards regions that are united with strong leadership.
“We have never been united. Our group of MPs are disorganised and full of infighting. It is now upon ourselves to reorganise and be looked at as serious people in future,” he said.
Mr Denis Wanyoro, a youth councillor in Bulambuli District, said Bamasaba people are systematically being pushed out of the NRM government.
“This reshuffle was done in bad faith. It was done to cause disunity among the Bamasaba people,” he said.