Overview:
President Yoweri Museveni alters Uganda's financial and trade portfolios, introducing structural shifts to guide fiscal policy, investment, and market regulation.
KAMPALA — Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has carried out a significant restructuring of his government, removing some of his longest-serving allies from the cabinet while promoting younger officials to key ministerial portfolios.
The reshuffle brings an end to the cabinet careers of several veteran politicians who have been central to Mr Museveni’s administration for more than a decade.
Among those omitted from the new executive lineup is Matia Kasaija, who has managed the country’s economic policy as finance minister since 2015. He is joined on the sidelines by Foreign Affairs Minister Major General Jeje Odongo and veteran First Deputy Prime Minister General Moses Ali.
Other prominent departures from frontline roles include the local government minister, Raphael Magyezi, and the water and environment minister, Sam Cheptoris.
In contrast to the high-profile exits, Mr Museveni has elevated a select group of junior ministers and diplomats to senior positions.
Henry Musasizi has been promoted to become the substantive Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, taking over from his former supervisor, Mr Kasaija.
The strategically important foreign affairs docket will now be led by Ambassador Adonia Ayebare. Mr Ayebare, who has long served as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, returns to the capital to direct the country’s global diplomacy.
In the infrastructure sector, Fred Byamukama has achieved a significant promotion, moving from junior transport minister to full cabinet rank as the new Minister of Works and Transport. He takes over the role from General Katumba Wamala, who has been reassigned to lead the Ministry of Public Service.
Further changes have been made in the legal and security ministries. Kiryowa Kiwanuka leaves his post as Attorney General to become the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, while Sam Mayanja has been proposed to take over as the government’s chief legal advisor.
Major General Kahinda Otafiire has been moved from internal affairs to lead the Ministry of Water and Environment, with Professor Ephraim Kamuntu returning to the cabinet to take over the internal affairs portfolio.
A direct swap has also been implemented between the health and communications sectors. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero leaves the health ministry to take over information, communications technology and national guidance, while Dr Chris Baryomunsi moves in the opposite direction to take charge of public health.
Amidst the wide-ranging changes, several senior figures have maintained their positions at the apex of government. Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja both remain in their posts, while First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga retains her portfolio looking after East African Community affairs.
A number of outgoing cabinet members, including Ruth Nankabirwa, Hamson Obua, Francis Mwebesa, and Evelyn Anite, will transition to roles as senior presidential advisors.
The newly proposed list of nominees has been sent to the parliament for vetting and confirmation before the new cabinet can officially be sworn into office.