Museveni Unveils Sweeping New Cabinet in Major Government Shake-Up

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled a new Cabinet in a far-reaching government reshuffle that has seen several senior political figures retained, others redeployed, and new faces elevated to key ministries as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) prepares for a new political and economic phase.

In a Cabinet list released on Tuesday, the President retained Jessica Rose Epel Alupo as Vice President and Robinah Nabbanja as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

The new line-up reflects continuity in several strategic sectors including security, finance, health and foreign affairs, while also introducing notable appointments in trade, ICT, gender and local government.

Among the key appointments, veteran politician Rebecca Kadaga was named First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, while Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga takes over as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament. Lukia Nakadama was appointed Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio.

First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni retained the powerful Education and Sports docket, while Milly Babalanda remains Minister for the Presidency. Security Minister Jim Muhwezi also survived the reshuffle, maintaining his influence in the security establishment.

One of the notable changes in the Cabinet is the appointment of Engineer Asiimwe Jonard as Minister in charge of Science, Technology and Innovation under the Office of the President, signaling continued emphasis on technology-driven transformation and industrialisation.

The President also maintained several long-serving ministers in critical economic ministries. Henry Musasizi was appointed Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, while Ambassador Adonia Ayebare was named Minister of Foreign Affairs. Monica Musenero takes charge of the Energy and Mineral Development ministry.

In another major development, opposition figure Norbert Mao retained the Justice and Constitutional Affairs docket, a move political analysts are likely to interpret as Museveni’s continued effort to project inclusiveness in governance.

The Ministry of Health will now be headed by Chris Baryomunsi, while the ICT and National Guidance ministry was handed to Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero. Ephraim Kamuntu returns to Cabinet as Minister of Internal Affairs.

The trade docket was given to businessman and politician Sanjay Tanna, while veteran minister Tom Butime retained the Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities ministry.

In the agriculture sector, Frank Tumwebaze retained the Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries ministry, with support from state ministers including Bright Rwamirama and Desire Muhooza.

The reshuffle also elevated several younger and emerging politicians into influential state minister positions. Among them are Calvin Echodu in Foreign Affairs, Phiona Nyamutooro in charge of Minerals, and Shartsi Kutesa Musherure handling Microfinance.

In Kampala affairs, Minsa Kabanda retained the Cabinet position overseeing Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, deputised by Kabuye Kyofatogabye as Minister of State.

President Museveni also announced that several senior politicians who missed out on Cabinet positions would instead serve as Senior Presidential Advisors. They include Hamson Obua, Ruth Nankabirwa, Francis Mwebesa and Evelyn Anite.

In another significant move, Dr. Kenneth Omona was transferred to the diplomatic service and will serve as Uganda’s ambassador at a station yet to be announced.

The new Cabinet is expected to face immediate pressure to address rising public concerns over unemployment, inflation, poor infrastructure, corruption and service delivery, particularly in urban areas such as Kampala where citizens have increasingly demanded accountability from government officials.

Political observers say the appointments suggest President Museveni is balancing experience, regional representation, technocratic expertise and political loyalty as he consolidates his administration ahead of the next phase of governance and implementation of Uganda’s development agenda.