My Ministerial Appointment is on Merit- Raphael Magyezi

By Max Patrick Ocaido

Newly appointed Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi says he is the ‘right person’ for the job.

Magyezi who is the Igara West Member of Parliament was speaking immediately after appearing before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee for vetting on Friday. The Parliamentary Appointments Committee is chaired by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.

The Minister refuted claims by some members of opposition that his appointment was a token of appreciation for his role in the 2017 Constitutional amendment which removed age limit for presidential candidates.

“Did these other ministers bring a bill to parliament? I want to believe that the President appointed me on merit, he believes I am competent enough to become minister for Local Government,” he said.

“It is therefore wrong to think that if it wasn’t for the Bill [age limit bill] then I would not be minister. I am educated and have been in Local government for 26 years, served as chairperson of committee on Local Government, so I qualify with or without the bill on age limit.” Magyezi  observed.

He said that upon his approval, he will focus on lobbying for adequate funds for the local government units other than creating new constituencies. Magyezi’s appointment comes at a time when Parliament is discussing operationalization of proposed cities that include; Arua, Mbarara, Gulu, Jinja, Fort Portal, Mbale, Masaka, Wakiso, Entebbe, Hoima, Lira, Moroto, Nakasongola, Soroti and Kabale.

Magyezi is one of the new Ministers appointed by President Yoweri Museveni in the recent cabinet reshuffle. Others are; former Police Spokesperson Judith Nabakooba, who was appointed ICT Minister, State Minister for Sports Hamson Obua and State Minister for ICT Peter Ogwang among others.