uganda’s 2026–2031 Cabinet Revealed: Museveni Taps

 Seasoned Loyalists, New Faces for Strategic Ministries

President retains Alupo, Nabbanja; Musasizi takes Finance, Kiwanuka to Defence, Ayebare named Foreign Minister

KAMPALA, May 27, 2026 – President Yoweri Museveni has unveiled a sweeping list of proposed ministerial appointments for the 2026–2031 term, mixing battle-hardened loyalists with strategic redeployments that signal fresh policy priorities in finance, defence, and foreign affairs.

By the powers vested in the President under Articles 108(1) and (2), 108A(1), 111(1), 113(1), and 114(1) of the 1995 Constitution, the proposed lineup retains Vice President Hon. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (Maj. Rtd.) and Prime Minister Hon. Robinah Nabbanja at the helm of government business. The two women leaders, who have served since 2021, are seen as pillars of continuity as Museveni begins his sixth elected term.

The New Cabinet at a Glance

The 30-member full Cabinet includes three Deputy Prime Ministers: Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga (1st Deputy PM & EAC Affairs), Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga (2nd Deputy PM & Deputy Leader of Gov’t Business), and Hon. Lukia Nakadama (3rd Deputy PM & Minister without Portfolio).

In a notable shift, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, previously Attorney General, moves to head the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs — a sensitive portfolio long associated with Gen. Vincent Ssempijja. Kiwanuka’s legal background suggests a focus on defence institutional reforms.

Amb. Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s former UN representative, takes over Foreign Affairs, succeeding Gen. Jeje Odongo. Ayebare’s diplomatic heft is expected to steer Uganda’s regional and international engagement, particularly under the East African Community and African Union agendas.

The most closely watched appointment is at Finance, Planning and Economic Development, where Hon. Henry Musasizi — previously State Minister for Finance (General Duties) — ascends to the top job. He replaces Matia Kasaija, who exits after a decade. Musasizi faces the daunting task of managing Uganda’s debt, oil revenues, and IMF program benchmarks.

Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President’s wife, retains Education and Sports, continuing her long tenure. Hon. Norbert Mao stays as Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister, a sign of the ruling party’s continued cooperation with the Democratic Party leader.

Other key assignments:

• Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi – Health (from ICT)

• Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero – ICT & National Guidance (from Health)

• Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu – Internal Affairs (return from diplomatic service)

• Hon. Frank Tumwebaze – Agriculture (from ICT in previous terms)

• Hon. Judith Nabakooba – Lands (return)

• Gen. Katumba Wamala – Public Service

• Hon. Tom Butime – Tourism (retained)

• Hon. Sanjay Tanna – Trade, Industry & Cooperatives (new entrant)

• Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire – Water & Environment (from Internal Affairs)

A Deep Bench: Ministers of State

Over 50 ministers of state have been proposed across all portfolios. Notable appointments include:

• Hon. Lillian Aber – State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness (Office of PM)

• Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume – State for Primary Health Care

• Hon. Peter Ogwang – State for Sports (retained)

• Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro – State for Minerals (youngest minister retained)

• Ms. Amina Mukalazi – State for Privatisation & Investment (new)

• Hon. Joyce Ssebugwawo – State for Information

• Hon. Persis Namuganza – State for Housing (retained)

• Gen. Wilson Mbadi – State for Trade (military figure in civilian portfolio)

In the Office of the President, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda stays as Minister for Presidency, while Hon. Jim Muhwezi moves to Security. Eng. Asiimwe Jonard heads Science, Technology & Innovation.

Senior Presidential Advisors and Diplomatic Moves

A separate list names Senior Presidential Advisors to be deployed across various fields: Hon. Hamson Obua, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, and Hon. Evelyn Anite — all former ministers or parliamentary heavyweights.

Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Omona has been transferred to the diplomatic service as an Ambassador, with station to be announced later.

Reactions and Political Implications

Political analyst Dr. Mwambutsya Ndebesa of Makerere University said the appointments “reflect a strategy of rewarding loyalty while attempting to inject technocratic competence, especially at Finance and Foreign Affairs.”

Opposition spokesperson Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba (shadow justice) called the list “a recycling of failed officials,” but acknowledged the retention of Norbert Mao as a positive signal for multipartyism.

The appointees now require parliamentary vetting and approval, though the ruling National Resistance Movement’s overwhelming majority ensures swift confirmation.

Conclusion

President Museveni’s 2026–2031 proposed government blends experience with tactical changes aimed at economic management, regional diplomacy, and internal security. As the new team awaits parliamentary approval, Ugandans will be watching whether this cabinet can deliver on promises of job creation, infrastructure completion, and anti-corruption reforms.

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