BY OKIDI PATRICK
KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been praised by Wanahinchi in his Cabinet reshuffle for the 2026–2031 political term. Several powerful long-serving ministers and senior politicians completely were dropped from the executive arm of government.
While the shakeup has introduced vibrant new faces and strategically retained a select group of experienced leaders to steer key dockets, the scale of the axing indicates a deliberate move by the President to clean house and weed out complacency ahead of the new legislative term.
The casualty list features major political heavyweights who have dominated headlines and controlled critical state dockets for years. Chief among those who did not make it back to the Cabinet are:
- Ruth Nankabirwa: The former powerhouse Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.
- Matia Kasaija: The veteran former Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.
- Betty Amongi Ongom: The former high-profile Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
- Gen. Moses Ali: The long-serving former Second Deputy Prime Minister.
- Raphael Magyezi: The former Minister of Local Government who famously spearheaded the age-limit constitutional amendment.
- Francis Mwebesa: The former Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives.
State Ministers, GCW Dropped and replaced:
The list did not spare influential state ministers and parliamentary heads. Notably, Hamson Obua has been relieved of his position as the Government Chief Whip.
Controversial and outspoken former State Minister for Privatization and Investment, Evelyn Anite, has also been dropped alongside former Principal Private Secretary turned State Minister for Northern Uganda, Dr. Kenneth Omona.
Other notable figures dropped from the state minister ranks include:
- Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu (Primary Education)
- Henry Okello Oryem (International Affairs)
- Gen. David Muhoozi (Internal Affairs)
- Obiga Kania (Lands)
- Hellen Adoa (Fisheries)
- Hellen Asamo (Disability Affairs)
- Florence Nambozo (Elderly Affairs)
- Peter Lokeris (Mineral Development)
- Bwino Fred Kyakulaga (Agriculture)
- Sam Mangusho Cheptoris (Water and Environment)
Oboth-Oboth’s Strategic Exit.
Notably, the former Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, also leaves the Cabinet lineup, though his exit follows a massive promotion. Oboth-Oboth Jacob was officially elected as the new Speaker of the 12th Parliament of Uganda yesterday after securing a landslide victory of 441 votes.
Political analysts state that this extensive clearing of the old guard signals a transition toward an aggressive, results-oriented administration. The new nominees are currently organizing their credentials ahead of mandatory vetting by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee next week.
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