Muhoozi orders ministers to seek his clearance before foreign travel

Nairobi, Kenya - Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued an order that all government ministers must seek his clearance before traveling abroad, threatening a fine of 30 million Ugandan shillings for those who depart without his permission. This directive was announced on Saturday following a recent foreign trip by Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, who traveled to Turkey for official engagements.

Muhoozi emphasized that all ministers need his permission and clearance before leaving the country, and that he would review ministers' foreign trips on a monthly basis, with the Finance Ministry to obtain his approval. The newly imposed fine is reportedly intended to be used for road construction. Kasolo had previously responded to Muhoozi's questioning of his trip, assuring the Chief that he would comply with the directive and seek his guidance before future foreign travel.