Kasaija dropped as Museveni reshuffles Finance, Trade and Energy ministers

Overview:

The reshuffle, announced on Tuesday, saw Henry Musasizi named the new Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, replacing Mr Kasaija, who has overseen the country’s treasury since 2015.

President Museveni has dropped long-serving Finance minister Matia Kasaija in a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle that has significantly altered Uganda’s economic management team, with key changes also affecting the Energy and Trade ministries.

Mr Kasaija’s removal marks the end of an era at the Finance ministry, where he became one of the most recognisable faces of Uganda’s economic policy during a period marked by rising public debt, infrastructure expansion, tax reforms and post-pandemic recovery efforts.

The veteran politician and businessman had previously served in several ministerial roles and was viewed as one of President Museveni’s most trusted economic managers.

His exit comes at a time when Uganda faces mounting fiscal pressure, increasing debt servicing obligations, concerns over domestic revenue mobilisation and persistent criticism from the private sector over taxation and high cost of doing business.

The reshuffle also swept out Energy minister Ruth Nankabirwa and Trade minister Francis Mwebesa, two senior ministers who had played central roles in strategic sectors of the economy.

Ms Nankabirwa, who previously served as Government Chief Whip before being appointed Energy minister, oversaw the ministry during a critical period that included preparations for Uganda’s oil production, negotiations around energy infrastructure and expansion of electricity access.

She has now been moved to the position of Senior Presidential Advisor.

Mr Mwebesa, who has served as Trade minister since 2021, was also dropped from Cabinet and named Senior Presidential Advisor alongside former Investment minister Evelyn Anite.

The Trade ministry now goes to businessman Sanjay Tanna, whose appointment is expected to attract attention from investors and the private sector due to his corporate background and business interests.

Analysts say the appointment could signal a stronger push toward private sector-led growth and industrialisation as government seeks to revive exports, manufacturing and regional trade competitiveness.

Another notable appointment is that of Eng Asiimwe Jonard, who has been named minister in charge of Science, Technology and Innovation under the Office of the President — a docket increasingly viewed as central to Uganda’s industrialisation and digital transformation agenda.

The reshuffle also saw President Museveni bring back veteran politician Dr Crispus Walter Kiyonga as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament, while former Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka was elevated to the powerful Defence ministry.

Meanwhile, former security minister Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde returned to Cabinet as Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

Political observers say the latest reshuffle reflects Museveni’s attempt to recalibrate his administration by blending technocrats, business-oriented figures, historical NRM loyalists and new entrants.

The changes also appear aimed at repositioning government ahead of Uganda’s anticipated oil production phase and growing public pressure for economic recovery, job creation and improved service delivery.

For the business community, however, attention will now shift to how the new economic team handles inflation, taxation, industrial growth, oil revenues and investor confidence in an increasingly challenging economic environment.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

SEE FULL LIST BELOW

By virtue of the powers given to the President of Uganda under Articles 108(1) and (2), 108A(1), 111(1), 113(1), and 114(1) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the following persons have been proposed for appointment as Vice President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Senior Presidential Advisors.

Vice President and Prime Minister

H.E. the Vice President Hon. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, Maj. Rtd.
Rt. Hon. Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament Hon. Robinah Nabbanja

Cabinet Ministers

1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga
2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga
3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio Hon. Lukia Nakadama
Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni
Minister, Office of the President, Presidency Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda
Minister, Office of the President, Security Hon. Jim Muhwezi
Minister, Office of the President in charge of Science, Technology and Innovation Eng. Asiimwe Jonard
Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Hon. Minsa Kabanda
Minister, Office of the Prime Minister, General Duties Hon. Eng. Hillary Onek
Government Chief Whip Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba
Minister, Office of the Prime Minister, Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Hon. Sam Engola
Minister for Karamoja Affairs Hon. Lokii John Baptist
Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Hon. Frank Tumwebaze
Attorney General Hon. Sam Mayanja
Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka
Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Musanza
Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Hon. Henry Musasizi
Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Adonia Ayebare
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Hon. Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu
Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi
Minister of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero
Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hon. Norbert Mao
Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Judith Nabakooba
Minister of Local Government Hon. Balaam Barugahara
Minister of Public Service Gen. Katumba Wamala
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Tom Butime
Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Hon. Sanjay Tanna
Minister of Water and Environment Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire
Minister of Works and Transport Hon. Byamukama Fred

Other Ministers: Ministers of State

Office of the President

Minister of State, Office of the President, Economic Monitoring Hon. Alum Sandra Santa
Minister of State, Office of the President, Ethics and Integrity Hon. Akello Rose

Office of the Vice President

Minister of State, Office of the Vice President Hon. Mutasingwa Diana Nankunda

Office of the Prime Minister

Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister, Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Hon. Lillian Aber
Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister, Northern Uganda Hon. Beatrice Akello
Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister, Karamoja Hon. Anyakun Esther Davinia
Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister, Luwero Triangle-Rwenzori Region Hon. Alice Kaboyo
Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister, Bunyoro Affairs Hon. Grace Mary Mugasa
Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister, Teso Affairs Hon. Dr. Ongalo-Obote

Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries

Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Agriculture Hon. Desire Muhooza
Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Animal Industry Hon. Bright Rwamirama
Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Fisheries Hon. Migadde Robert Ndugwa

Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

Deputy Attorney General Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi

Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs

Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Defence Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano
Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Veteran Affairs Hon. Oleru Huda

Ministry of East African Affairs

Minister of State for East African Affairs Hon. Magode Ikuya

Ministry of Education and Sports

Minister of State for Education and Sports, Higher Education Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo
Minister of State for Education and Sports, Primary Education Hon. Phyllis Chemutai
Minister of State for Education and Sports, Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development

Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, Energy Hon. Sidronius Opolot Okasai
Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, Minerals Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro

Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, General Duties Hon. Cissy Mulondo
Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Planning Hon. Amos Lugoloobi
Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Privatization and Investment Ms. Amina Mukalazi
Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Micro-Finance Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, International Affairs Hon. Calvin Echodu
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Regional Affairs Hon. Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo

Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development

Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Gender and Culture Hon. Kuteesa Mary Kamuli
Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Youth and Children Affairs Hon. Lakisa Mercy Faith
Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Employment and Industrial Relations Hon. Simon Mulongo
Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Disability Affairs Hon. Acan Joyce Okeny
Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Elderly Affairs Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi

Ministry of Health

Minister of State for Health, General Duties Hon. Anifa Bangirana Kawooya
Minister of State for Health, Primary Health Care Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume

Ministry of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance

Minister of State for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Information Hon. Joyce Ssebugwawo
Minister of State for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, National Guidance Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria

Ministry of Internal Affairs

Minister of State for Internal Affairs Dr. Lawrence Muganga

Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs

Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye

Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development

Minister of State for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Housing Hon. Persis Namuganza
Minister of State for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Urban Development Hon. Margaret Muhanga Mugisa
Minister of State for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Lands Hon. Harriet Ntabazi

Ministry of Local Government

Minister of State for Local Government Hon. Justine Nameere

Ministry of Public Service

Minister of State for Public Service Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities

Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Nakawuki Susan Nsambu

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives

Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Cooperatives Hon. Tom Aza
Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Industry Hon. David Bahati
Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Trade Gen. Wilson Mbadi

Ministry of Water and Environment

Minister of State for Water and Environment, Environment Hon. Beatrice Anywar
Minister of State for Water and Environment, Water Hon. Aisha Sekkindi

Ministry of Works and Transport

Minister of State for Works and Transport, Works Mr. Siraji Musa Ali
Minister of State for Works and Transport, Transport Hon. Julius Maganda Wandera

Senior Presidential Advisors

The following persons will be appointed as Senior Presidential Advisors in different fields to be communicated later:

Hon. Hamson Obua
Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa
Hon. Francis Mwebesa
Hon. Evelyn Anite

Hon. Dr. Kenneth Omona has been transferred to the Diplomatic Service as Ambassador at a station to be communicated later.