KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has dropped 28 ministers in one of the most extensive cabinet reshuffles of his presidency, signaling a major executive reset at the start of Uganda’s 2026–2031 political term.

The sweeping changes, announced under constitutional provisions governing presidential appointments, come as Uganda’s 12th Parliament begins its legislative cycle and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) consolidates control across key state institutions.

While Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja retained their positions, the reshuffle removed several long-serving ministers and influential political figures from cabinet, marking one of the most consequential reorganisations in recent years.

Among the most prominent exits is veteran Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, who has been replaced by Henry Musasizi at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo was also dropped and replaced by Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, while Gender Minister Betty Amongi lost her position in another high-profile change.

In a historic development, Second Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali was removed from cabinet, ending one of the longest uninterrupted ministerial careers in Uganda’s political history. Moses Ali had served in various government positions dating back to the era of former President Idi Amin.

The reshuffle also swept away several senior figures across strategic ministries. Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi, Public Service Minister Muruuli Mukasa, and Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua were all removed from frontline cabinet roles.

The security sector was not spared either, with Gen. David Muhoozi dropped as Minister of State for Internal Affairs.

Former Defence Minister Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth also exited cabinet following his election as Speaker of Parliament.

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Other senior ministers removed from government include Peter Lokeris (Karamoja Affairs), Francis Mwebesa (Trade, Industry and Cooperatives), and Sam Cheptoris (Water and Environment).

The changes extended deeply into state ministries and regional portfolios. Those dropped include Dr Kenneth Omona (Northern Uganda), Florence Nambozo (Karamoja Affairs), Jenipher Namuyangu (Bunyoro Affairs), Fred Bwino Kyakulaga (Agriculture), and Hellen Adoa (Fisheries).

In the education and investment sectors, Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu lost the Primary Education docket, while Evelyne Anite was removed from the Ministry of State for Privatisation and Investment.

Others dropped from cabinet include John Mulimba, Peace Mutuuzo, Hellen Asamo, Gidudu Mafabi, Godfrey Kabbyanga, Obiga Kania, Martin Mugarra, Fredrick Gume, and Musa Ecweru.

Political analysts say the reshuffle reflects a broader effort by Museveni to recalibrate his administration ahead of a new parliamentary term, while balancing continuity, generational transition, and internal political consolidation within the NRM.

The cabinet changes also introduce new political actors and technocrats into government, with several former ministers redeployed to advisory and diplomatic roles rather than completely exiting the state structure.

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Attention is now expected to shift to parliamentary vetting, formal swearing-in ceremonies, and how the new cabinet will navigate mounting economic pressures, governance concerns, and preparations for the next electoral cycle.

Below is the full list of the cabinet and senior presidential appointments pending parliamentary approval.

Vice President and Prime Minister

  • Vice President: Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo
  • Prime Minister: Robinah Nabbanja

Cabinet Ministers

  • 1st Deputy Prime Minister & EAC Affairs: Rebecca Kadaga
  • 2nd Deputy Prime Minister: Crispus Kiyonga
  • 3rd Deputy Prime Minister: Lukia Nakadama
  • Education: Janet Museveni
  • Presidency: Milly Babalanda
  • Security: Jim Muhwezi
  • Science & Innovation: Asiimwe Jonard
  • Kampala Affairs: Minsa Kabanda
  • OPM (General Duties): Hillary Onek
  • Government Chief Whip: Justine Kasule Lumumba
  • Disaster Preparedness: Sam Engola
  • Karamoja Affairs: Lokii John Baptist
  • Agriculture: Frank Tumwebaze
  • Attorney General: Sam Mayanja
  • Defence: Kiryowa Kiwanuka
  • Energy: Monica Musenero
  • Finance: Henry Musasizi
  • Foreign Affairs: Adonia Ayebare
  • Gender: Henry Tumukunde
  • Health: Chris Baryomunsi
  • ICT & National Guidance: Jane Ruth Aceng
  • Internal Affairs: Ephraim Kamuntu
  • Justice: Norbert Mao
  • Lands: Judith Nabakooba
  • Local Government: Balaam Barugahara
  • Public Service: Katumba Wamala
  • Tourism: Tom Butime
  • Trade: Sanjay Tanna
  • Water & Environment: Kahinda Otafiire
  • Works & Transport: Byamukama Fred

Also Read: Enough is enough: Museveni threatens to sack underperforming ministers

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Ministers of State

Office of the President

  • Alum Sandra Santa (Economic Monitoring)
  • Akello Rose (Ethics & Integrity)

Office of the Vice President

  • Diana Mutasingwa

Office of the Prime Minister

  • Lillian Aber (Relief)
  • Beatrice Akello (Northern Uganda)
  • Anyakun Esther (Karamoja)
  • Alice Kaboyo (Luwero/Rwenzori)
  • Grace Mugasa (Bunyoro)
  • Dr Ongalo-Obote (Teso)

Agriculture

  • Desire Muhooza (Agriculture)
  • Bright Rwamirama (Animal Industry)
  • Robert Migadde (Fisheries)

Justice

  • Jackson Kafuuzi (Deputy Attorney General)

Defence

  • Akifeza Grace Ngabirano
  • Huda Oleru

East African Affairs

  • Magode Ikuya

Education

  • John Chrysostom Muyingo
  • Phyllis Chemutai
  • Peter Ogwang

Energy

  • Sidronius Okasai
  • Phiona Nyamutoro

Finance

  • Cissy Mulondo
  • Amos Lugoloobi
  • Amina Mukalazi
  • Shartsi Kutesa Musherure

Foreign Affairs

  • Calvin Echodu
  • Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo

Gender

  • Mary Kamuli
  • Mercy Faith Lakisa
  • Simon Mulongo
  • Joyce Acan
  • Jacqueline Mbabazi

Health

  • Anifa Kawooya
  • Dr Charles Ayume

ICT

  • Joyce Ssebugwawo
  • Yorke Odria

Internal Affairs

  • Dr Lawrence Muganga

Kampala Affairs

  • Kabuye Kyofatogabye

Lands

  • Persis Namuganza
  • Margaret Muhanga
  • Harriet Ntabazi

Local Government

  • Justine Nameere

Public Service

  • Lydia Wanyoto

Tourism

  • Susan Nsambu

Trade

  • Tom Aza
  • David Bahati
  • Gen Wilson Mbadi

Water

  • Beatrice Anywar
  • Aisha Sekkindi

Works

  • Siraji Musa Ali
  • Julius Maganda Wandera

Senior Presidential Advisors

  • Hamson Obua
  • Ruth Nankabirwa
  • Francis Mwebesa
  • Evelyn Anite

Other Changes

  • Dr Kenneth Omona transferred to diplomatic service as ambassador (station to be announced)

Michael Wandati is an accomplished journalist, editor, and media strategist with a keen focus on breaking news, political affairs, and human interest reporting. Michael is dedicated to producing accurate, impactful journalism that informs public debate and reflects the highest standards of editorial integrity.

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