KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has dropped 28 ministers in a major Cabinet reshuffle that largely preserves longtime loyalists while introducing strategic promotions, returns and portfolio changes in the new government for the 2026-2031 term.
The appointments, announced Tuesday under Articles 108, 108A, 111, 113 and 114 of the 1995 Constitution, now await parliamentary vetting and approval.
Among the most notable casualties of the reshuffle are former Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, former Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali, Internal Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo and former Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa.
Others dropped from Cabinet include David Muhoozi, Betty Amongi, Evelyn Anite, John Mwebesa, Hamson Obua, Raphael Magezi, Muluuli Mukasa, Henry Okello Oryem, Peace Mutuuzo, Musa Ecweru, Peter Lokeris, Sam Cheptoris, John Mulimba, Godfrey Kabyanga and Kenneth Omona.
Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja both retained their positions, signaling continuity at the top of government and maintaining the position of ladies in government.
Former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga returns to the executive as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, while veteran politician Crispus Walter Kiyonga was appointed Second Deputy Prime Minister.
In one of the most closely watched appointments, Henry Musasizi was elevated from state minister to Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, replacing Kasaija in a move analysts say points to gradual generational transition within government economic management.
The health and ICT ministries also witnessed a significant swap. Former ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi was appointed Minister of Health, replacing Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, who moves to the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance.
Baryomunsi’s appointment has already generated political discussion due to his previous public disagreements with supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda, a movement linked to Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba. However, observers note that his medical background makes the Health docket a technically suitable assignment.
Another notable return is that of retired Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, who was named Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Meanwhile, Balaam Barugahara received one of the reshuffle’s biggest promotions after being appointed Minister of Local Government.
The Cabinet also retained several senior figures, including First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Jim Muhwezi in Security and Judith Nabakooba in Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Political analysts say the reshuffle reflects Museveni’s continued balancing act between rewarding loyalty, maintaining regional representation and managing internal political dynamics within the ruling National Resistance Movement.
Despite the changes, the Cabinet remains one of the largest in the region, with more than 80 ministers and ministers of state, continuing to attract criticism from opposition politicians and governance activists who argue Uganda needs a leaner executive.
Online reactions ranged from congratulatory messages to criticism over recycled political figures, regional balance and the continued dominance of longtime ruling party loyalists.
The new Cabinet is expected to face immediate pressure to address corruption, unemployment, economic recovery and public service delivery, particularly in health, education and infrastructure.
Parliament is expected to begin vetting the nominees in the coming days.
