When did Museveni announce the new cabinet?

Today, 26 May 2026, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has proposed a new cabinet lineup, drawing on constitutional powers under Articles 108(1) and (2), 108A(1), 111(1), 113(1), and 114(1) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda. The list, shared via his official X account (@KagutaMuseveni), signals a blend of experienced loyalists, technocrats, and emerging figures aimed at driving the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s priorities in economic development, regional integration, security, and service delivery.

President Museveni Unveils New Cabinet for 2026-2031: Continuity, Fresh Faces, and Strategic Shifts in Uganda’s Leadership

This cabinet comes amid expectations of a performance-based reshuffle, with some long-serving officials retained for stability while others make way for new blood. As Uganda navigates post-election priorities, the appointments reflect efforts to balance regional representation, gender considerations, and expertise in key sectors.

Who Has Been Retained in Top Leadership Positions?

Several key figures from the previous 2021-2026 administration maintain prominent roles, underscoring continuity in governance.

Vice President: Hon. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, Maj. Rtd., retains her position, providing steady leadership in the executive.
Prime Minister: Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja continues as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
First Deputy Prime Minister: Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga holds the dual role of 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, leveraging her experience in regional diplomacy and legislative matters.
Education and Sports: Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni remains at the helm, a consistent presence in shaping Uganda’s human capital development.
Other holdovers include figures like Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda (Minister, Office of the President, Presidency), Hon. Jim Muhwezi (Security), Hon. Minsa Kabanda (Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs), and Hon. Judith Nabakooba (Lands, Housing and Urban Development), among others.

These retentions suggest President Museveni’s confidence in their track records for maintaining stability during the new term.

Which High-Profile Figures Are New or Elevated in the Cabinet?

The 2026-2031 lineup introduces several notable appointments and shifts:

2nd Deputy Prime Minister: Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga takes on this role alongside Deputy Leader of Government Business.
3rd Deputy Prime Minister: Hon. Lukia Nakadama continues but in a Minister without Portfolio capacity.
Finance: Hon. Henry Musasizi steps into the critical Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Defence: Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka assumes leadership at Defence and Veterans Affairs.
Health: Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi moves to Minister of Health.
Foreign Affairs: Amb. Adonia Ayebare brings diplomatic experience to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Justice: Hon. Norbert Mao, a former opposition figure, takes the Justice and Constitutional Affairs docket, signaling potential inclusivity.
Public Service: Gen. Katumba Wamala is appointed Minister of Public Service, a potentially significant elevation.

Newer or less familiar names in full ministerial roles include Eng. Asiimwe Jonard (Science, Technology and Innovation), Hon. Lokii John Baptist (Karamoja Affairs), and Hon. Sanjay Tanna (Trade, Industry and Cooperatives). These appointments may reflect a push for specialized expertise and regional balance.

Who Appears to Be Out or Reassigned from Previous Roles?

While the full details of departures require official confirmation, comparisons with the 2021-2026 cabinet indicate shifts. Long-serving figures like some previous Ministers of State or those in reshuffled dockets (e.g., potential moves for individuals like Hon. Kenneth Omona, noted as transferred to diplomatic service) are making way.

Outright drops or non-reappointments in visible roles often stem from performance reviews, age considerations, or political realignments. Analysts anticipate that ministers associated with underperforming sectors or recent controversies may have been sidelined in favor of fresher leadership.

Notable among those exiting the cabinet is Hon. Dr. Kenneth Omona, who has been reassigned to the Diplomatic Service as Ambassador.

Full List of Proposed Cabinet Appointments (2026-2031)

Vice President and Prime Minister

Vice President: Hon. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, Maj. Rtd.
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

Ministers of State (Full List)

Here is the complete official list of proposed Ministers of State:

Office of the President

Economic Monitoring: Hon. Alum Sandra Santa
Ethics and Integrity: Hon. Akello Rose

Office of the Vice President

Minister of State: Hon. Mutasingwa Diana Nankunda

Office of the Prime Minister

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

Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries

Agriculture: Hon. Desire Muhooza
Animal Industry: Hon. Bright Rwamirama
Fisheries: Hon. Migadde Robert Ndugwa

Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

Deputy Attorney General: Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi

Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs

Defence: Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano
Veteran Affairs: Hon. Oleru Huda

Ministry of East African Affairs

East African Affairs: Hon. Magode Ikuya

Ministry of Education and Sports

Higher Education: Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo
Primary Education: Hon. Phyllis Chemutai
Sports: Hon. Peter Ogwang

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development

Energy: Hon. Sidronius Opolot Okasai
Minerals: Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro

Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

General Duties: Hon. Cissy Mulondo
Planning: Hon. Amos Lugoloobi
Privatization and Investment: Ms. Amina Mukalazi
Micro-Finance: Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

International Affairs: Hon. Calvin Echodu
Regional Affairs: Hon. Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo

Gender and Culture: Hon. Kuteesa Mary Kamuli
Youth and Children Affairs: Hon. Lakisa Mercy Faith
Employment and Industrial Relations: Hon. Simon Mulongo
Disability Affairs: Hon. Acan Joyce Okeny
Elderly Affairs: Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi

Ministry of Health

General Duties: Hon. Anifa Bangirana Kawooya
Primary Health Care: Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume

Ministry of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance

Information: Hon. Joyce Ssebugwawo
National Guidance: Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria

Ministry of Internal Affairs

Internal Affairs: Dr. Lawrence Muganga

Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs

Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs: Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye

Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development

Housing: Hon. Persis Namuganza
Urban Development: Hon. Margaret Muhanga Mugisa
Lands: Hon. Harriet Ntabazi

Ministry of Local Government

Local Government: Hon. Justine Nameere

Ministry of Public Service

Public Service: Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities

Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities: Hon. Nakawuki Susan Nsambu

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives

Cooperatives: Hon. Tom Aza
Industry: Hon. David Bahati
Trade: Gen. Wilson Mbadi

Ministry of Water and Environment

Environment: Hon. Beatrice Anywar
Water: Hon. Aisha Sekkindi

Ministry of Works and Transport

Works: Mr. Siraji Musa Ali
Transport: Hon. Julius Maganda Wandera

Senior Presidential Advisors

A cadre of experienced advisors, including Hon. Hamson Obua, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, and Hon. Evelyn Anite, will support the President in various fields to be specified later.

What Do These Appointments Mean for Uganda’s Governance?

The cabinet emphasizes a mix of military backgrounds (e.g., generals and majors in key security and works roles), technocrats, and political veterans. Retaining core figures like Alupo, Nabbanja, and Kadaga ensures institutional memory, while newcomers in Finance, Defence, and Justice could inject new energy into economic management and legal reforms.

Critics may view the list as heavy on NRM loyalists, but supporters highlight its potential for effective implementation of programs in agriculture, infrastructure, and East African integration. As Parliament vets and approves these proposals, public and legislative scrutiny will focus on competence, diversity, and alignment with national development goals.

This announcement sets the stage for the next five years of governance in Uganda. Updates on parliamentary approval and any further amendments will be closely watched by citizens and analysts alike.

New Cabinet for 2026-2031 out now | Sanjay, Balaam listed

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