By John Okello Lapok
Uganda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, H.E Rebecca Amuge Otengo, has urged the people of Lango to fully support President Yoweri Museveni’s Ministerial Appointees from this sub region, noting that their appointment sets the stage for the Lango to continue participating in the national development agenda.
She described the appointment of four ministers from this sub-region as a positive development and therefore, urged the Lango community to put aside internal divisions and focus on working collectively with Ministerial Appointees.
The Ambassador made the remarks during a radio program on QFM, an online radio station, responding to relentless outbursts in Lango claiming that he gave the sub-region a bad deal yet they voted 84% for the NRM.
“The President is a strategic thinker who sees beyond where many of us don’t see and he has always worked towards national cohesion and unity. He also never forgets his people” she explained, adding that appointments don’t stop at only the Cabinet.
She cited Sam Engola the newly appointed Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, saying the man from Erute County serves as a prime beneficiary of loyalty and a seasoned grassroots mobilizer, while Santa Alum (UPC) represents the broader aspect of national unity and cohesion.
“Engola’s appointment is well-deserved, given his historical role in the region. Even when he lost his earlier ministerial appointment, he has been very instrumental in development, and never deviated from the core values of the NRM. He is tested and remains steadfast in defending the government and working with the wanainchi” she said, adding that the minister is also credited for being one of the founding members of the NRM in Lango.
ENTER DR. JANE RUTH ACENG
She welcomed and said that the appointment of Dr. Aceng as Government Chief Whip, is strategic and would make her a versatile leader with broader administrative experience, having spent over a decade of service in the Health Ministry.
“Aceng is a hardworking lady wherever she has been posted. She did a great job as medical superintendent of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, DG Health Services and Minister of Health for 10 years. Her track record is clear and admirable. Moving to the Government Chief Whip is another experience to coordinate OPM, Parliament Cabinet and MDAs where need be” she said, noting that her new role is another challenging political leadership responsibility which she believes the minister is capable of delivering.
SANTA OLUM APPOINTMENT
The Ambassador also defended the appointment of Santa Alum Ogwang as State Minister for Economic Monitoring in the Office of the President. She said the role demonstrates cohesion and national unity, which President Museveni always emphasizes.
Amb. Otengo who doubles as Uganda’s the Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) advised the UPC not to try to block her appointment like it was done to Joy Ruth Acheng whose appointment as Fisheries State Minister was blocked.
As for Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa’s appointment as State Minister for Youth and Children, Otengo said the youthful minister now needs mentorship. She urged the youth to rally behind her so as to succeed in her work.
She congratulated President Museveni upon garnering over 71% of the vote, and 84% by the people of Lango, attributing it to the peace and security, Government programs that touched the life of the common man like PDM and President Museveni’s closeness to the wanaichi.
