Ugandans were left shocked after a minister in President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni directed and delegated Maj Gen (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, to represent her at an event.
While, ideally, the Vice President is the country’s number two, at least according to Uganda’s national order of precedence, some minister (who should be junior to the VP) seem more powerful that President Museveni’s ‘deputy.’
On July 29, Ugandans were left wondering when VP Maj Gen (Rtd) Alupo reported that she had represented Janet Kataaha Kainembabazi Museveni, Uganda’s first lady and the Minister of Education and Sports at an event.
“Today, I represented Mama Janet Museveni at the launch of the Anti-Corruption campaign for the yr 2022/23. With various representatives of MDAs, interdenominational religious, political leaders and the media, we sought and re-committed the fight against corruption to the Lord,” Alupo informed Ugandans.
But Ugandans quickly pointed out that the Minister of Education and Sports, and even the First Lady for that matter, was junior to the Vice President and that there was no way she would represent Janet Museveni. That it should instead be the education minister and first lady who should be representing VP Alupo.
Here are some of the comments from Ugandans:
How can a minister delegate a vice president to stand for her in a function? — Oluka Paul 1 @1Oluka3
That’s how your M7 has made Uganda and Ugandans into nothing other than his family. Now where is the so called first lady in this [national order of precedence]. — TURYATAHA MATSIKO @KifoKwetuWote
We need to respect protocol in this country. In what capacity did a VP represent hon. Janet K? As a minister of Educ. or as First Lady? VP is number two in the country and can only represent the president, I think! — Robert Tumusiime Akiiki @rtumusiime89
Sometimes I fail to understand, now how can a second in command be sent by a minister as her representative. If I was ur madam VP I would say on behalf of gvt, I attended nekigwa — Ekya’ana kya maama @NARINAITWE
But Your Excellency, who should represent who? Isn’t the Minister of Education supposed to report to you? You are a respected second in Command and so should be accorded all the necessary respect accorded to those in your position. Ai mu car ma — Ak’Arinanye @joseph_arinanye
Meanwhile, Vice President Jessica Alupo is also in the news after a senior NRM leader accused her of betraying President Museveni by reportedly supporting the opposition. (Read Story Here).
