KASESE – The recent appointment of Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Gen. Wilson Mbadi as the State Minister for Trade has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across Kasese District. The appointments come after both officials were successfully vetted by Parliament and cleared to take office.
While many NRM supporters and local leaders have hailed President Yoweri Museveni’s decision as a strategic move, some residents remain skeptical about whether these high-level appointments will translate into tangible improvements in service delivery at the grassroots level.
Proponents of the appointments argue that Dr. Kiyonga’s vast experience makes him the ideal candidate for the role. Mithe Robert, the NRM Administrator for Kasese, praised the President’s choice, noting that Dr. Kiyonga’s long-standing history in Ugandan politics is an invaluable asset.
Hon. Kateba Jolly, the former Deputy Speaker for the Kasese District Council, emphasized that Dr. Kiyonga has been a steadfast supporter of women’s empowerment within the district and because of this women of kasese are delighted for his appointment as deputy prime minister.
Kamala Johnson, a political analyst and NRM supporter pointed to Kiyonga’s previous work in strengthening the health sector, promoting food security and empowering families through coffee planting as evidence of his capability.
Despite the celebrations, a section of the population remains aggrieved, arguing that Kasese has historically seen high-profile appointments with little change in the lives of ordinary citizens.
Bwambale Lubowa Julius, a resident of Busongora South, expressed disappointment, noting that Dr. Kiyonga has served in the government for over thirty years without significantly impacting poverty levels in the region.
According to ALi Kusemererwa – political analyst indicated that the appointment of Kiyonga and Mbadi comes at a time when kasese is grippling with issues of corruption and food insecurity. He added that there is need to improve on supervision of government programs as such PDM by prime minister’s office to benefit the local people.
Dr. Crispus Kiyonga before being appointed as 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, he served in the NRM government in different capacities including Minister of Defence, minister of Health, minister of Finance, Ambassador of Uganda to China and Chancellor of Makerere University. While Gen. Wilson Mbadi served in the previous cabinet as State Minister for Trade and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
As the two ministers assume their duties, the expectations from the people of Kasese—and Uganda at large—are high. The public is looking to them to lead the charge against corruption and to ensure that government services finally reach those who need them most. Whether this “new blood” in the cabinet can bridge the gap between policy and implementation remains to be seen.
