President Yoweri Museveni has announced a new cabinet lineup, unveiling appointments for Vice President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Senior Presidential Advisors in one of the country’s most significant government reshuffles ahead of the new parliamentary term.
The appointments, made under powers granted to the President by the 1995 Constitution, were officially communicated through a presidential statement released on Wednesday.
Under the new arrangement, Major Retired Jessica Rose Epel Alupo retains her position as Vice President, while Robinah Nabbanja also remains Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
Among the key appointments, former First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga returns as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, while veteran politician Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga has been appointed Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
Lukia Nakadama was named Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio.
In the education sector, First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni retained the Education and Sports docket.
The reshuffle also saw several notable changes across key ministries.
Former ICT and National Guidance Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng was appointed Minister of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, while Dr. Chris Baryomunsi moved to the Health Ministry.
Veteran politician Norbert Mao retained the Justice and Constitutional Affairs docket, while Amb. Adonia Ayebare was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In another major change, Henry Musasizi was named Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, replacing Matia Kasaija.
Dr. Monica Musenero was appointed Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, while Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire took over the Water and Environment Ministry.
The cabinet reshuffle also introduced several new faces into government.
Businessman Sanjay Tanna was appointed Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, while media and entertainment figure Balaam Barugahara was named Minister of Local Government.
Retired Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde was appointed Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, while Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu became Minister of Internal Affairs.
The President also named several Ministers of State across different ministries, including Phiona Nyamutoro as State Minister for Minerals, Peter Ogwang as State Minister for Sports, Amos Lugoloobi as State Minister for Planning, and David Bahati as State Minister for Industry.
Dr. Lawrence Muganga was appointed State Minister for Internal Affairs, marking his formal entry into frontline government politics.
Meanwhile, several senior government officials who were not retained in cabinet were reassigned to advisory and diplomatic roles.
Former Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua, former Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, former Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa, and former State Minister Evelyn Anite were named Senior Presidential Advisors.
Dr. Kenneth Omona was transferred to the diplomatic service and will serve as Uganda’s ambassador at a station yet to be announced.
Political analysts say the reshuffle signals President Museveni’s attempt to balance continuity, regional representation, technocratic experience, and political loyalty as the government prepares for the next phase of implementation of its national development agenda.
The new cabinet is expected to be vetted and approved by Parliament before ministers officially assume office.