The Parliament Appointment Committee has vetted Juma Witonze Kisekka for the position of State Minister for Internal Affairs, marking the latest step in the process to formally confirm his appointment to government.
The committee, chaired by Speaker of Parliament Oboth Oboth, met on Thursday morning to assess Witonze’s suitability for the role after President Yoweri Museveni nominated him earlier this week.
The vetting session was also attended by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and members of the Appointments Committee, who questioned the nominee before deliberating on his appointment.
Following the closed-door session, Parliament said the committee would compile its findings and submit a report to President Museveni, who has the constitutional mandate to appoint ministers subject to parliamentary approval.
The committee’s recommendation is one of the final stages before Witonze is formally sworn into office.
His nomination comes three days after President Museveni appointed him to serve as State Minister for Internal Affairs, a ministry responsible for internal security, immigration, citizenship, civil registration, prisons, and oversight of the Uganda Police Force.
Before the vetting session began, Witonze arrived at Parliament where he was received by parliamentary officials ahead of his appearance before the committee.
The proceedings were held in accordance with Parliament’s vetting procedures, which require ministerial nominees to answer questions on their qualifications, experience, integrity and readiness to serve in public office.
The committee’s deliberations are conducted behind closed doors before its recommendations are presented to the President.
Under Uganda’s Constitution, presidential appointments to Cabinet and ministerial positions must be approved by Parliament’s Appointments Committee before nominees assume office.
The committee examines nominees’ academic qualifications, professional background and suitability for the office before making recommendations.
Although the committee does not publicly disclose details of the vetting discussions, its report determines whether a nominee is approved or rejected.
Witonze’s appointment comes at a time when the Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to oversee key government programmes, including national security coordination, border management, immigration services and public safety.
If approved, he will join the ministry’s leadership team responsible for supporting the implementation of government policies on internal affairs and security.
His appointment is part of a series of changes made by President Museveni as he reshapes his administration ahead of the next phase of government programmes.
The committee’s report is expected to be submitted to the President in the coming days, paving the way for Witonze’s formal appointment and swearing-in should he receive parliamentary approval.
