Kampala, (UG):- The newly appointed Minister of State for Energy (in charge of Minerals), Ms Phiona Nyamutoro today, Thursday, March 28, assumed office to start official duties in her new role and capacity.
Nyamutoro, who is the National Youth MP in the eleventh Parliament was last week appointed minister of state by the President in the recent cabinet reshuffle which sent tongues waggling with the changes made. She replaced Peter Lokeris, who was subsequently elevated to full cabinet minister, in charge of Karamoja Affairs.
Other ministers appointed alongside her include; Balaam Barugahara (Youth and Children), Lillian Aber (Relief and Disaster), Florence Nambozo Wamala (Karamoja Affairs), Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi (Trade), and Dr Kenneth Omona (Northern Uganda Affairs).
Nyamutoro, who took the oath as minister on Wednesday, March 27, at State House Entebbe, today arrived at the Ministry of Energy headquarters at Amber House in Kampala to officially start her duties as a State Minister for Minerals.
She was warmly received by Energy Minister, Hon Ruth Nankabirwa alongside her predecessor, Hon Peter Lokeris who handed over the office to her as he bid farewell to take on his new role as Minister for Karamoja.
With her charismatic leadership, Nyamutoro expressed the warm welcome received and pledged to promote the development of the energy sector and ensure sustainable exploitation of the country’s resources to the maximum potential.
“This morning I officially assumed office as the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals). With such a warm reception from the entire team led by Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, am delighted to take on from my senior, Hon. Peter Lokeris to establish, promote the development, strategically manage and safeguard the rational and sustainable exploitation and utilisation of energy and mineral resources for social and economic development,” Nyamutoro said in a post via her official X account.
“I am acutely aware of the immense potential of Uganda’s mineral resources to drive economic growth and improve the livelihoods of our people. I pledge to work tirelessly to advance the interests of our nation and ensure that our mineral wealth benefits all Ugandans, especially those in marginalized communities,” she added.
Minister Ruth Nankabira who presided over the handover ceremony paid tribute to outgoing minister Peter Lokeris for serving the Energy Ministry diligently and also congratulated him on his new role, which he also takes on with immediate effect.
“I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Minister Hon. Dr. Peter Teko Lokeris, for his extraordinary service to the Ministry and Government of Uganda. I also congratulate him on his new appointment as the Minister of Karamoja and wish him the best in his new role,” Nankabira posted via X.
“To the incoming Minister Phiona Nyamutoro, I’m happy to receive you as a colleague in this Ministry and I extend my warm welcome to you as this appointment speaks great volumes of your potential. We pledge our utmost support to you to execute the mandate of the Ministry and Government of Uganda,” she added.
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Nyamutoro, a former Makerere Guild Vice President is among the six new faces introduced in the new cabinet that is set to serve under President Museveni’s leadership for the next 18 months to the expiry of the current term.
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