By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
Sarah Kanyike the newly appointed Minister of State for Disability and Elderly Affairs, has on Wednesday 26th August took oath as Ex-Officio Member of parliament and assumed office at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
She was warmly ushered into parliament by officers and later taken to the august house for an official swearing ceremony presided over by the speaker of parliament Rebecca.
Earlier today Kanyike assumed new role as minister as she was handed a string of instruments including an official Ministerial vehicle for the smooth execution of her duties, where she pledged to promote teamwork that will enhance service delivery at the grassroots.
Kanyike revealed that her philosophy of public service is to deliver services to the communities and leave a positive legacy through her tenure.
“The differences in political parties and colours come as a by the way but all that the people want is service delivery, and that is exactly what I want us to work together on, to achieve,” she noted, re-echoing the importance of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development due to its wide mandate.
Kanyike extended her appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni for recognizing her contribution at KCCA and assigning her to a new position with new challenges.
The Minister’s office that Kanyike takes over has been vacant for over 5 years with Hon. Sulaiman Kyebakoze Madada having been the last official to hold it.
Among the key Programmes that Kanyike will oversee include; the Expanding Social Protection under which older persons above 80 years receive a monthly stipend of sh25,000, Special Grants for Persons with Disabilities and a host of legal and policy frameworks for the two interest groups.
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Museveni also expressed sympathy for Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago after his deputy at City Hall joined the Government.
“I want to sympathise with my son, Lukwago, because he almost got a heart attack. I am very sorry for him because I captured a big fish from my old party, DP,” Museveni said.
