Parliament has approved a request by President Yoweri Museveni to increase the number of Cabinet ministers and state ministers beyond the limit provided for under the Constitution.
The motion was moved yesterday, by the new Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, who asked Parliament to vary the constitutional cap on the number of ministers to address Uganda’s growing socio-economic needs and expanding population.
Nabbanja said the increase from 42 to 82 ministers was necessary to strengthen service delivery and support government programs across the country.
The new structure will comprise 31 Cabinet ministers and 51 state ministers.
Seconding the motion, Kyaka South County Member of Parliament (MP) Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi (National Resistance Movement) said the Constitution allows Parliament to approve an increase in the number of ministers where necessary.
Kassanda North Patrick Nsamba Oshabe (National Unity Platform – NUP) opposed the motion, saying the government had previously introduced a rationalization program aimed at reducing public expenditure and duplication of roles.
Nsamba said increasing the number of ministers contradicted the principles behind rationalization.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze (NUP) said technological advancement and improved communication systems should reduce the need for a larger number of ministers.
However, the motion passed with 320 MPs voting in favour, six against and two abstaining.