By Zainab Ali
Igara Mp Hon Raphael Magyezi has dismissed claims that his appointment to Minister for local government was based on the success of the constitutional amendment bill on age limit.
In 2017, the legislator initiated the controversial constitutional amendment bill that saw the removal of the presidential age limit.
While addressing the media shortly after being vetted, the legislator clarified that with or without the age limit bill, his current appointment matches his qualification since he has served as a chairperson of the committee on local government in parliament.
Magyezi noted that he only played his role as a legislator when he tabled the amendment bill before parliament. He said he looked at the constitution, identified a gap and used his legislative powers to advocate for it hence his success.
Magyezi insists that his recent promotion was not on merit but the experience he has had in the Local government for years.
”I have served as a chairperson of the committee of local government here in parliament, so I qualify with or without the bill on age limit. That age limit I did my part, good enough it passed, it could have failed,” he said.
Incoming state Minister for Sports Denis Hamson Obua has also concluded with the vetting process, he vowed to create avenues for funding in various Sports disciplines once in office.
Robinah Nabbanja the Incoming Minister for General Duties in the Ministry of Health noted that she intends to work with the Ministry to see to it that Health Center 3s are instituted in all sub-counties across the country. She also hinted at educating people on Immunization, antenatal importance, healthy life practices and nutritious eating among others.
Those vetted so far include; Denis Hamson Obua, the Minister of State for Sports, Judith Nabakooba the Mityana woman MP and former Police Spokesperson who was appointed Minister for Information, Communication and Technology (ICT)and Robinah Nabbanja the Incoming Minister for General Duties in the Ministry of Health.
Others yet to be vetted include; Molly Kamukama, the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafusi, incoming State Minister for ICT and communication Peter Ogwang, State Minister for Environment Beatrice Anywar and Minister for State for Fisheries Helen Adoa.
On Friday, parliament kicked off the vetting process of nine MPs appointed by the President to serve as ministers.
Parliament’s Appointments Committee convened this morning behind-closed-doors to appraise and approve President Museveni’s nominees.
