Amanze Chinonye
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba said on Saturday that all ministers must notify him and obtain his clearance before travelling abroad, after questioning Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, over his official visit to Türkiye, Prime Business Africa reports.
“I did not clear Hon. Kasolo to visit Turkey. He will explain,” Kainerugaba said in a post reacting to Kasolo’s announcement of the visit, which he said was aimed at advancing diplomacy, trade and investment and sustainable development. “My address is known, they must ALL notify me before they leave Uganda,” he added.
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Kainerugaba said any minister who travels abroad without his permission would be fined 30 million Ugandan shillings ($8,000), with the proceeds used to build roads. He said the Ministry of Finance would begin implementing the order immediately and that he would clear ministers’ foreign trips on a monthly basis. “Minister of Finance will seek my approval,” he said.
Kainerugaba also described Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare as a “disciplined cadre”, saying Ayebare does not travel without his permission. Kasolo, who is responsible for regional cooperation, was appointed acting foreign affairs minister in June following President Yoweri Museveni’s Cabinet reshuffle.
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Uganda has been pursuing trade and investment ties with Türkiye, including a strategic retreat in Istanbul in June involving officials from the Foreign Affairs and Finance ministries. Museveni met Türkiye’s ambassador to Uganda, Mehmet Fatih Ak, on Sept. 17, with Kasolo and Uganda’s ambassador to Türkiye, John Leonard Mugerwa, present.
Kainerugaba’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between Uganda and Türkiye. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces announced on Sept. 19 that it was suspending all defence and military cooperation with Türkiye until outstanding bilateral defence issues were resolved.
The proposed 30 million shilling fine and mandatory clearance requirement were announced by Kainerugaba; no publicly cited government instrument has established them as a formal regulation applying to all ministers.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
