Outgoing Karamoja Affairs Minister Dr. Kitutu hands over office, outlines challenges,pledges support

By Ismael Kasooha

KAMPALA

The outgoing Karamoja Affairs Minister Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu has handed over office to the incoming Minister Peter Lokeris and pledged to support him in the execution of duties.

The handover was witnessed by the Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala.

Hon. Peter Lokeris, the new Minister for Karamoja Affairs in office

While handing over office, Kitutu said that investigations, arrests and interdictions have stalled the implementation of planned activities in Karamoja sub region.

Kitutu said that Karamoja Affairs Ministry didn’t implement activities for the financial year 2022/2023 and funds were returned to the treasury but have since never been returned.

She briefed the incoming Minister that this financial year, Karamoja Affairs received only UgShs. 4.88bn shillings as compared to the past years where they used to get over 12bn shillings.

Kitutu thanked President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting her with leading the development of Karamoja and whoever supported her in executing her duties and pledged to support the incoming Minister whenever need arises, even in Parliament.

Hon. Peter Lokeris, the incoming Minister thanked President Yoweri Museveni for the love for Karamoja and initiating development of Karamoja since he came to power.

Lokeris acknowledged whoever has played a role in the development of Karamoja sub region.

The Premier Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah (2nd roght) shaking hands with the incoming Minister for Karamoja Affairs Hon. Peter Lokeris at OPM on Thursday. Looking on is the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Dunstan Balaba (extreme left) and the outgoing Minister Hon. Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu (2nd left)

The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah thanked President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting them to serve Ugandans and commended Dr. Kitutu for her passion to serve the people of Karamoja and also welcomed Lokeris to OPM.

The Premier said that there is a need for mindset change of the people of Karamoja and also revitalize the Karamoja-feed-Karamoja programme.

Nabbanja appealed to Lokeris to ensure that he coordinates the various Non-Governmental Organisations operating in Karamoja to avoid duplication of work.

The handover follows the mini-reshuffle by the president where both the Karamoja Ministers were dropped and new ones appointed to head the development interventions in the sub region.

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