By Ben Musanje
Outgoing State Minister for National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, has dismissed speculation surrounding his departure from the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, insisting that he has neither lost his job nor fallen out with his former boss, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the ministry headquarters in Kampala, Kabbyanga used his farewell remarks to defend his record in office, praise his working relationship with Dr. Baryomunsi, and assure supporters that his political journey remains far from over.
Kabbyanga, who handed over office to Aringa South County Member of Parliament Alioni Yorke Odria, said his exit from the ministry should not be interpreted as a political setback but rather the completion of an assignment entrusted to him by President Yoweri Museveni.
“I am not losing any job. My tour of duty has come to an end. My tour of duty at this ministry has come to an end, and I am in transit. Just watch the space,” Kabbyanga told ministry officials, staff, and invited guests.
The former minister stressed that he was leaving office with a clean record and without any scandal attached to his name, something he described as one of his greatest achievements during his five years of service.
“I am really very happy that I end my tour of duty honorably. No scandal. No scandal at all,” he said.
Kabbyanga also moved to address what he described as a common culture among some junior ministers of criticizing their senior ministers after leaving office. Without mentioning specific individuals, he revealed that there are often complaints and grievances shared within forums of state ministers, but insisted he had no reason to speak negatively about Dr. Baryomunsi.
“There are so many state ministers who complain. We also have a forum of state ministers that will backbite you. But I’m telling you, I have nothing ill I can talk about Chris Baryomunsi,” he said.
Instead, Kabbyanga credited the outgoing ICT Minister, who has since been transferred to the Ministry of Health, for helping him grow politically and professionally.
According to Kabbyanga, Dr. Baryomunsi consistently delegated responsibilities to him, both within Uganda and internationally, giving him exposure and opportunities to build networks that strengthened his public profile.
“He gave me the opportunity to serve and also gave me the opportunity to shine. I have established myself nationally and internationally courtesy of Honorable Chris Baryomunsi because he was not short of delegating me,” he said.
The former minister said the trust and support he received from Baryomunsi enabled him to represent the ministry in various engagements and broaden his influence beyond his home region.
“I was delegated both nationally and internationally. He supported me to network, and I used that opportunity and I networked. I’m not complaining,” he added.
Kabbyanga also took time to pay tribute to incoming ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba, whom he described as both his mentor and political benefactor.
He disclosed that Lumumba had played a significant role in supporting his political career over the years, including helping finance his election campaigns while serving as Secretary General of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I have always told people I am the only politician who has no bank loan and no debt of money lenders because I have been in politics since 2010. Honorable Kasule Lumumba used to finance all my campaigns as Secretary General,” he said.
The outgoing minister further used the occasion to dismiss any assumptions that his departure from government meant financial hardship. In a lighthearted but pointed remark, Kabbyanga declared that he remains financially stable and capable of taking care of himself.
“I can still manage tea anywhere because me, I’m a border boy. And border boys are never broke,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
Throughout his speech, Kabbyanga repeatedly emphasized that he remains active in public service despite leaving the ministry. He revealed that he was already scheduled to appear on media talk shows immediately after the handover ceremony and would continue engaging the public on national issues.
“I’m still in the system and I will do my work as I have been doing it. I’m just in transit from this ministry to other responsibilities, some private, some still government,” he said.
The former minister encouraged government officials, agency heads, and ruling party supporters to actively communicate government achievements rather than leaving that responsibility solely to Cabinet ministers.
“We shouldn’t leave the work of talking for government to ministers,” he noted.
As he concluded his remarks, Kabbyanga reflected on the values that guided his service, urging public servants to maintain faith in God, show love to others, and work diligently without allowing pressure to overwhelm them.
“There is one thing you should never lose. You can lose so many other things, but please never lose God’s favor,” he said.
With his successor Alioni Yorke Odria now taking charge of the National Guidance docket, Kabbyanga leaves the ministry projecting confidence about his future and insisting that his departure marks not an end, but a transition to new responsibilities.
For now, the former minister says he remains only a phone call away from the ministry he helped serve for the last five years, maintaining that his commitment to government service and national development remains unchanged. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
