Ministers spared from the drop in last week’s reshuffle are falling over themselves to thank President Museveni for sparing their blushes.
In the reshuffle, Museveni dropped the ministers for Karamoja; Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu following their alleged deep involvement in the Mabaati saga. He also dropped the minister of Defence, Vincent Ssempijja and appointed him a senior presidential advisor.
But he spared the largest section of his ministers, retaining the entire top leadership and keeping faith in old hands like Moses Ali, Kahinda Otafiire and Tom Butiime.
Being retained in cabinet could signify the president’s faith in someone. For others like Amos Lugoolobi, who was also implicated in the Mabaati saga, other political dynamics could have informed the president’s decision.
In a country where being appointed a minister is equated to “eating” given the numerous deals and cash making opportunities that abound in several ministries, being dropped could tantamount to despair.
Little wonder that retained ministers, like school children scrambling for sweets at a playground, have been falling over themselves to thank the president for keeping them in cabinet.
Jessica Alupo, the Vice President expressed her appreciation to the president for the re-appointment.
“I’m deeply honoured and grateful for the trust and confidence he has bestowed upon me. I pledge to continue serving diligently,” she wrote
The prime minister Robinah Nabbanja posted on X: “I thank you, Your Excellency, President Yoweri Museveni for reappointing me as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Thank you for the trust and confidence.”
Frank Tumwebaze, the minister of Agriculture, wrote on X: “Thank you Excellency Mzee Kaguta Museveni for this renewed trust and retention in Cabinet.”
Ruth Nankabirwa, the minister for Energy and Mineral Development thanked Museveni for his “unwavering faith, trust in my capabilities and retention in Cabinet.”
David Bahati, a state minister for Finance, wrote a lengthy post, referring to Museveni as a “revolutionary leader.”
“I pledge my commitment to do my best and to continue to serve our great nation, under the able leadership of H.E President Museveni,” he wrote.
Those yet to send in appreciation message are: Janet Kataha Museveni, the First Lady who was reappointed minister of Education and Sports.
Interestingly, Rebecca Kadaga, the first deputy Prime Minister and minister of East African Affairs is yet to thank the president even while she has congratulated other people for making it to cabinet.
Others yet to send in their ‘thank you’ messages are: Gen Moses Ali, Chris Baryomunsi, Kahinda Otafiire, Tom Butiime among others.
