Bill Oketch
10 June 2011
Debate over President Museveni’s choice of the Cabinet continues to draw dissent across Lango sub-region as leaders, including senior ruling party members, accuse the President of dishonesty.
Senior National Resistance Movement leaders, including Dokolo legislator and former State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Felix Okot Ogong, says President Museveni should explain why he used empty promises to get votes from Lango.
The President recently named Amolatar Woman MP Caroline Okao Amoli as state minister for micro-finance, Alebtong MP Rebecca Amuge Otengo as state minister for north and Erute South MP Sam Engola as state minister for housing.
However, Mr Ogong, whose re-election is being contested in court, insists the three junior ministers’ docket is of little consequence to the people of Lango and wondered why Mr Museveni dropped Daniel Omara Atubo and replaced him with only state ministers.
“Instead of giving us three state ministers, Museveni could have maintained Atubo who is a senior politician,” Mr Ogong added, arguing that Lango sub-region deserves better appointments because it has a good track record of producing great leaders like former President Milton Obote and ex- Prime Minister Cosmas Adyebo.
Former shadow Minister of Defence Charles Angiro Gutumoi on Wednesday described the appointment as a disgrace. “Museveni has ashamed us. You cannot give the whole of Lango sub-region only state ministers,” the former Erute North MP said. “It is a sign that the President does not love us,” he added.
The Dokolo Woman MP, Ms Cecilia Atim Ogwal, said: “The President should be reminded that the situation of Omara Atubo should not be ignored. We want to see how he will handle his situation.”
“We were not happy with the way Cosmas Adyebo was abandoned at the time when he most needed the support and the compassion of the President,” Ms Ogwal said.
No regret?
However, Mr Denis Hamson Obua, MP for Ajuri County, whom locals thought would be named to cabinet, said he had no regret.
“It must not be me. It lies in the hands of the appointing authority. I think it is good for Lango because it has got three ministers at ago which has never happened under Museveni,” he said.
Reacting to his appointment, Mr Sam Engola, said he felt honoured to serve the country
AllAfrica – All the Time
Link:
We Were Neglected By Museveni – Lango