President Museveni yesterday unveiled a new cabinet, dropping at least 22 serving ministers, including long-serving Finance minister Matia Kasaija, Energy minister Ruth Nankabirwa, and Evelyn Anite, the minister of state for Investment.
Jessica Alupo was retained as Vice-President, and Robinah Nabbanja continued as Prime Minister.
Former speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, was elevated to the first Deputy Prime Minister, replacing Gen Moses Ali, who was axed. Kadaga also retained the ministry of East African Community Affairs.
Dr Crispus Kiyonga, an NRM historical, made a comeback after 10 years out of cabinet. Kiyonga was appointed second deputy prime minister, while Lukia Nakadama retained her post of Third Deputy Prime Minister and minister without portfolio.
Among the most consequential changes is the departure of Matia Kasaija as the minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, a position he held for more than a decade. He was replaced by Henry Musasizi, previously a minister of state in the same ministry.
Ruth Nankabirwa, who oversaw the Energy docket during Uganda’s landmark oil and gas developments, was dropped alongside former Trade minister Francis Mwebesa and Gender minister Betty Amongi.
Nobert Mao, the president general of the Democratic Party, remained in his role as minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi and Dr Ruth Aceng were interchanged, with Baryomunsi moving to the ministry of Health and Aceng becoming the minister of ICT and National Guidance.
Frank Tumwebaze was maintained as minister of Agriculture while Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who served as Attorney General, was named minister of Defence, replacing Jacob Oboth Oboth, who was elected speaker of the 12th Parliament. Sam Mayanja, a veteran lawyer, is the new Attorney General, having served as minister of state for Lands over the last five years.
Adonia Ayebare, a long-serving diplomat, was named minister of Foreign Affairs in a move that did not come as a surprise. He replaces Gen Jeje Odongo, who was dropped.
Gen Katumba Wamala was shifted to the ministry of Public Service and Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire took over the Water and Environment portfolio, a docket he held between 2006 and 2008.
Some of the notable new entrants are Justine Nameere, the vocal Masaka City MP, who joined as minister of state for Local Government. Nameere will work under Balaam Barugahara, who was elevated to senior minister.
Others are Jacqueline Mbabazi, the wife of former prime minister Amama Mbabazi, who was posted to the ministry of Gender. Amina Mukalazi took the privatisation and investment portfolio in finance. Susan Nakawuki was named minister of state for Tourism, while Alum Sandra Santa took the Economic Monitoring role in the Office of the President.
Other new faces include Desire Muhooza, who came in as minister of state for Agriculture, Migadde Robert Ndugwa, who was named minister of state for Fisheries, and Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, who was appointed minister of state for Defence. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, the former MP for Mawogola South, was named minister of state for Microfinance.
Dropped
Museveni’s new cabinet list was notable for some of the ministers who were dropped. These include: Hamson Obua, Ruth Nankabirwa, Francis Mwebesa, and Evelyn Anite who were named as senior presidential advisers. Dr Kenneth Omona was transferred to the diplomatic service.
Those who were dropped entirely are: Obiga Kania, Raphael Magyezi, Christine Adoa, Muruli Mukasa, Moriku Kaducu, Moses Ali, Jeje Odongo, Florence Nambozo, Bwino Kyakulaga, Peter Lokeris, Gen David Muhoozi, Hellen Asamo, Henry Okello Oryem, and Sam Cheptoris.
Parliament is expected to vet the nominees before they are sworn in.
