President Museveni Unveils New Cabinet, Retains Key Allies and Introduces Fresh Faces

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced a new lineup of Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Senior Presidential Advisors under powers vested in him by the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, signaling continuity in key government sectors while also introducing several notable changes in the executive structure.

The appointments, released in an official communication from State House, retain a number of long-serving and influential figures in strategic ministries, while elevating others to new positions ahead of the government’s next phase of administration.

At the top of the executive structure, H. E. Maj. Rtd. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo has been maintained as Vice President, while Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja retains her position as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

Among the most prominent appointments is former First Deputy Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, who now serves as 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs. Veteran politician Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga has been appointed 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament, while Hon. Lukia Nakadama remains in the top executive ranks as 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio.

First Lady Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni retains the powerful Education and Sports docket, while Hon. Milly Babalanda continues to head the Presidency ministry. Gen. Jim Muhwezi also remains influential in government after being named Minister in charge of Security in the Office of the President.

One of the major shifts in the Cabinet sees Hon. Henry Musasizi appointed Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, taking over stewardship of the country’s economic management at a time Uganda continues to pursue industrialization and infrastructure expansion. Ambassador Adonia Ayebare has been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, marking a significant transition from diplomacy to direct Cabinet leadership.

In another notable development, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde returns to Cabinet as Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, while Dr. Chris Baryomunsi takes charge of the Health Ministry. Former Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has been reassigned to the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.

The Justice sector remains the same, with Hon. Norbert Mao appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, while controversial lawyer-politician Hon. Sam Mayanja has been named Attorney General.

The Defence Ministry will now be headed by Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka as Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, replacing long-serving figures in the security establishment.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire moves to the Ministry of Water and Environment.

The Cabinet also includes several business-oriented and technocratic appointments. Dr. Monica Musenero was appointed Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, while businessman Hon. Sanjay Tanna takes over the Trade, Industry and Cooperatives docket.

In local governance, Hon. Balaam Barugahara has been appointed Minister of Local Government, while Gen. Katumba Wamala assumes leadership of the Public Service Ministry.

The appointments also brought in a wide range of Ministers of State across sectors including Agriculture, Health, Education, ICT, Lands, Tourism, Finance, Gender, Internal Affairs, and Foreign Affairs. Among the notable names are Hon. Peter Ogwang retained in the Sports docket, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro named State Minister for Minerals, and Hon. David Bahati appointed State Minister for Industry.

The President also announced appointments of Senior Presidential Advisors, with former ministers Hamson Obua, Ruth Nankabirwa, Francis Mwebesa and Evelyn Anite set to take on advisory roles in fields to be communicated later.

Additionally, Dr. Kenneth Omona has been transferred to the diplomatic service and will serve as Uganda’s ambassador at a station yet to be announced.

Political analysts say the new Cabinet reflects President Museveni’s continued preference for balancing experienced political loyalists, military figures, technocrats, and regional interests in the management of government affairs. The appointments are also expected to shape the administration’s priorities in economic transformation, service delivery, infrastructure development, security, and regional integration.

The appointments now await the formal swearing-in process and assumption of office by the respective appointees.

Additionally, the new Cabinet also features the appointment of Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende as Minister of State for Public Service, marking her return to frontline government leadership. Wanyoto, a seasoned diplomat and politician, is widely known for her long-standing role within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) structures and regional integration efforts. 

Her appointment is seen by political observers as part of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s strategy of blending experienced political mobilizers and administrators into the new executive team. Analysts say her experience in governance, diplomacy, and party organization could play a significant role in strengthening public service management and coordination across government institutions.

Wanyoto joins a Cabinet that heavily combines veteran political figures, technocrats, military officials, and younger leaders as the President positions his administration to focus on economic transformation, service delivery, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation.