Canan Land,Kampala
Newly appointed State Minister for Internal Affairs Juma Witonze Kisekka has returned to Canan Land, the home of House of Prayer Ministries, with a message of gratitude to Pastor Aloysius Bugingo — and a warning to anyone who may try to misuse his new government position.
Speaking during Sunday service aired on Salt Media, Witonze credited the prayers of Pastor Bugingo and the Canan congregation for the blessings that eventually saw him appointed to government.
The minister openly referred to Bugingo as “Dad”, explaining that his respect for the controversial preacher goes beyond the pulpit.
Witonze described Bugingo as a patriotic Ugandan who, in his view, is not hypocritical and has genuine love for other people.
For Witonze, the Canan visit was therefore a homecoming — an opportunity to thank the people whose prayers he believes accompanied him on his journey into government.
‘Continue Praying for Me’
Now that he occupies a ministerial office, Witonze told the congregation that the real test has begun.
He asked Canan believers to continue praying for him so that he remains clean, disciplined and dedicated to the responsibility entrusted to him by President Yoweri Museveni.
His appeal was not simply for success in office but for protection from the temptations that often accompany power.
Witonze also pledged that he would, within the limits of his official capacity, extend a helping hand to fellow believers at Canan who may genuinely need assistance.
But he immediately drew a line between helping people and abusing public office.
‘Don’t Hide Behind Canan’
The minister issued a pointed warning to criminals and wrongdoers who might attempt to use his Canan connection to gain government favours or protection.
He pledged not to shield anyone involved in criminality or questionable dealings simply because they share a religious connection with him.
The message was particularly significant given that his new portfolio places him close to some of the most sensitive aspects of Uganda’s internal security and law-enforcement system.
In short, Witonze’s message was: Canan may be a spiritual home, but it will not become a safe house for wrongdoing.
Why Witonze Was Picked
Witonze enters the Internal Affairs docket with a combination of political mobilisation experience, diplomatic exposure and academic training.
He currently serves as NRM vice-chairperson for Gomba District and as a Patriotic League of Uganda coordinator for the Greater Mpigi region, giving him experience working within the ruling movement and at grassroots level.
His academic background also extends beyond domestic politics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Community-Based Rehabilitation and master’s degrees in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies and Global Political Economy.
That combination is important for a ministry dealing with matters touching on internal security, immigration, citizenship, national identification and coordination of security agencies.
His diplomatic and political exposure could also prove useful in navigating the delicate balance between national security, public order and citizens’ rights.
