By BigEyeUg Team
President Yoweri Museveni has announced a major reshuffle of Uganda’s executive, unveiling a new Cabinet for the 2026-2031 term that comes with significant changes across key ministries while retaining several top government officials.
In the changes announced on Tuesday night under Articles 108 and related provisions of the 1995 Constitution, Museveni maintained Jessica Alupo as Vice President and Robinah Nabbanja as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
One of the biggest highlights from the reshuffle is the appointment of Justine Nameere as Minister of State for Local Government, marking her entry into Cabinet for the first time.
Balaam Barugahara was also elevated in the reshuffle, moving from the Youth and Children Affairs docket to the Ministry of Local Government.
In another major development, Uganda’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Adonia Ayebare was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The health sector also experienced major changes, with Chris Baryomunsi transferred from the ICT ministry to head the Ministry of Health, replacing Jane Ruth Aceng, who was moved to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Veteran minister Matia Kasaija was dropped from Cabinet in one of the most surprising exits of the reshuffle.
Elsewhere, Gen Katumba Wamala was named Minister of Public Service, replacing Wilson Muruli Mukasa, while businessman Sanjay Tanna was appointed Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.
NRM veteran Kahinda Otafiire was moved from Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Water and Environment, as Fred Byamukama took charge of the Works and Transport ministry.
Several fresh faces also entered government, including Desire Muhooza in Agriculture, Robert Ndugwa Migadde in Fisheries, Grace Kifeza Ngabirano in Defence and Veterans Affairs, Magode Ikuya in East African Affairs and Phyllis Chemutai in charge of Primary Education.
The Finance ministry also saw changes, with Cissy Mulondo appointed Minister of State for General Duties, Amina Mukalazi taking over Privatization and Investment, and Shartsi Kutesa Musherure assigned the Micro-Finance docket.
In the Foreign Affairs ministry, Calvin Echodu was named Minister of State for International Affairs, while Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo moved to Regional Affairs.
The Gender ministry also attracted attention with the appointment of Jacqueline Mbabazi, wife to former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, as Minister of State for Elderly Affairs.
At Internal Affairs, educationist Lawrence Muganga was appointed Minister of State, while Susan Nakawuki Nsambu joined the Tourism ministry.
The reshuffle signals Museveni’s attempt to balance continuity with fresh energy ahead of the new term, with a mixture of experienced political figures, technocrats and first-time appointees making up the new executive team.