Wanyoto Urges Museveni to Exclude Corrupt Officials from Next Cabinet

Lydia Wanyoto, Member of Parliament–elect for Mbale City, has called on President Yoweri Museveni to ensure that corrupt officials are excluded from his next cabinet, warning that retaining tainted leaders would erode public confidence and signal a continuation of “business as usual” in government.

Speaking on a local radio station, Wanyoto stressed that the President’s repeated pledge to fight corruption must be reflected in the composition of his new government.

“We know people who are corrupt, and we don’t want to see them in the next government. If they come back, that will be most unfortunate, and that’s when people’s expectations will collapse,” she said.

Wanyoto described the formation of the next cabinet as an early test of Museveni’s commitment to delivering on his promises of improved service delivery, poverty reduction, and socio-economic transformation. She emphasized that Uganda has no shortage of capable and patriotic individuals who can turn campaign pledges into tangible results.

Reflecting on the ruling National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) 40-year tenure, Wanyoto acknowledged the party’s role in restoring stability and security after 1986, which she said laid the foundation for development in education, livelihoods, and income generation. However, she argued that stability alone is no longer sufficient, as citizens now expect wealth creation, accountability, and stronger service delivery.

Wanyoto highlighted the private sector, particularly agriculture, as key to sustainable job creation and economic growth, noting that the civil service cannot absorb Uganda’s growing labour force.

She also criticized infrastructure failures in Mbale City as symptomatic of corruption and poor workmanship, citing washed-away bridges and damaged culverts after heavy rains. “How can a culvert be washed away?” she questioned, pointing to counterfeit materials, lack of supervision, and weak accountability.

The MP-elect said the overwhelming support she received in the elections brings a heavy responsibility to deliver results and called on Parliament to rigorously oversee the executive, especially during budgeting and programme implementation.

“As Uganda prepares for the formation of a new government, citizens will be watching closely to see whether the President’s anti-corruption pledge translates into concrete action,” Wanyoto said. “People are right to expect more, but it must be seen in reality, not just on paper.”

Her remarks come at a time when President Museveni has repeatedly vowed to prioritize the fight against corruption and enhance household incomes, promising a “qualitative leap” in the country’s socio-economic transformation.