Ministers Akello, Mao: Museveni congratulates duo

“I congratulate Mr Norbert Mao upon taking the oath of office as the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs..” Museveni.

By Milton Emmy Akwam

Kampala – July 28, 2022: President Museveni on July 21, 2022, made a rare cabinet reshuffle, appointing the Democratic Party President Norbert Mao as Justice Minister. Also newly appointed was the Agago district Woman MP, Akello Beatrice Okori. The latter has been the RDC to some of the districts in Northern Uganda.

She is now the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring in the Office of the President.

For Mao, the veteran politician was first the LC5 Chairperson of Gulu district before he stood and got elected the Member of Parliament, Gulu Municipality. He would soon be elected the DP President General.

Unexpectedly, Mao who has been with the opposition for decades and joined them in criticizing President Museveni and his government was eyeing a top seat’ in the same government.

Before he was appointed Justice Minister, Mao, on July 20 signed a “cooperation agreement” with President Museveni at State House Entebbe. The pair, on behalf of their parties, have vowed to work together.  

The DP leader has promised Ugandans “a free and fair election,” including “a transition”. President Museveni who will be 82 in 2026 is highly expected to be on the ballots. If elected, he will extend his rule to over four decades.

On Wednesday, the son of late Kaguta hosted Mao and Akello at State House – a venue both appointees were sworn in.

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“I congratulate Mr Norbert Mao upon taking the oath of office as the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Your vast leadership experience will be instrumental in the unity we seek as a country and the solutions we desire for our people,” President Museveni said, on Twitter.

He also had this to say: “I congratulate Ms Beatrice Akello upon taking the oath of office as the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring. Ms Akello was one of my most hardworking RDCs and she did a very good job. She was one of the most successful RDCs in managing her district. Congratulations.”

After his appointment, Mao told his critics he won’t apologize for accepting to work with Museveni.