Philemon Mateke, the outgoing Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation has officially handed over office to John Mulimba, the incoming Minister. The handover ceremony which took place at the Ministry Headquarters was attended by Henry Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Affairs. The Permanent Secretary Amb. Patrick Mugoya was represented by Robert Mugimba, Acting Head of the Regional Economic Cooperation Department.
Mateke expressed his gratitude to the President for giving him the opportunity to serve the country once again as Minister. He went on to welcome Hon. Mulimba to the Ministry and congratulated him upon his appointment.
He commended his colleague Ministers for the excellent working relationship and support that they have given him over the last five years. Mateke assured the incoming Minister that he will have the support of the Ministry’s Technical Staff as he embarks on his duties.
Mulimba thanked the President as well for his appointment and conveyed a message of gratitude to the outgoing Minister for the warm reception that was accorded to him, further stating that he looks forward to the Cooperation from colleague Ministers and Staff as he takes office. He further thanked Mateke for the achievements and work done thus far and promised to carry it forward noting that the outgoing Minister should keep his door open for consultation.
Oryem on his part thanked Mateke for his service to the Ministry and for the cordial working relationship he has had with his colleagues. Oryem further hailed the outgoing Minister for his contribution to Regional Cooperation and ended by reiterating Mateke’s assurance of the support of the Ministry’s staff to the incoming Minister.
