By Karim Were
President Yoweri Museveni has unveiled a major cabinet reshuffle that signals a shift in power dynamics within government, with several veteran ministers dropped, reassigned, or moved into advisory positions as new faces rise to key ministries.
The changes, announced on Tuesday, May 26, leave some of the government’s top leadership untouched, with Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja retaining their positions. However, the reshuffle has swept away a number of long-serving ministers who had occupied influential dockets for years.
Among the biggest casualties is former Finance minister Matia Kasaija, who has been replaced by Henry Musasizi, previously Minister of State for Finance. The appointment elevates Musasizi from Kasaija’s deputy to the head of one of the country’s most critical ministries.
At Foreign Affairs, veteran minister Jeje Odongo exits Cabinet and is replaced by former Uganda Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare.
The shake-up also saw Raphael Magyezi lose the Local Government ministry to Balaam Barugahara, while Wilson Muruli Mukasa was replaced at Public Service by Katumba Wamala.
In another major move, Kahinda Otafiire leaves Internal Affairs to take over the Water and Environment ministry from Sam Cheptoris. Internal Affairs will now be headed by Ephraim Kamuntu.
The reshuffle also reshaped Uganda’s economic and energy sectors. Monica Musenero takes charge of the Energy ministry, replacing Ruth Nankabirwa, while businessman-turned-politician Sanjay Tanna assumes the Trade docket from Francis Mwebesa.
Former Health minister Jane Ruth Aceng has been transferred to the ICT and National Guidance ministry, swapping roles with Chris Baryomunsi, who now heads Health.
At Defence, Kiryowa Kiwanuka replaces Jacob Oboth-Oboth, who has since moved to Parliament as Speaker of the 12th Parliament. Kiwanuka’s former role as Attorney General will now be handled by Sam Mayanja.
Meanwhile, Betty Amongi lost the Gender ministry to Henry Tumukunde, and Peter Lokeris was replaced at Karamoja Affairs by John Baptist Lokii.
Despite the widespread changes, several senior figures survived the reshuffle. Rebecca Kadaga remains First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, while Janet Museveni retains the Education and Sports docket.
Others who held onto their ministries include Milly Babalanda at Presidency, Jim Muhwezi at Security, Frank Tumwebaze at Agriculture, Norbert Mao at Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Judith Nabakooba at Lands, and Tom Butime at Tourism.
The reshuffle appears aimed at refreshing Cabinet ahead of a politically significant period, while also rewarding loyalists and repositioning key figures within Museveni’s administration.
