KAMPALA, Uganda: President Museveni’s newly unveiled 2026–2031 Cabinet has introduced a blend of fresh entrants, political returnees and notable casualties in one of the most closely watched reshuffles in recent years.
The new lineup reflects a combination of political reward, technocratic reshuffling, military influence and generational balancing as Museveni begins another term in office under his “Term No Sleep” agenda.
A close analysis of the Cabinet reveals three major categories: first-time Cabinet entrants, ministers making political comebacks after years out of frontline government, and high-profile figures who have been dropped or reassigned after serving in the 2021–2026 administration.
NEW FACES IN CABINET
Several figures are entering Cabinet for the very first time, many of them drawn from business, academia, diplomacy and younger political circles.
Adonia Ayebare – Minister of Foreign Affairs: A seasoned diplomat and Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ayebare now transitions from international diplomacy into active Cabinet politics. He replaces Gen Jeje Odongo and becomes one of the most high-profile technocratic appointments in the new Cabinet.
Sanjay Tanna – Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives: Tanna, a businessman with interests in manufacturing and commerce, is among the surprise entrants into Cabinet. His appointment signals Museveni’s continued push to involve private sector actors in industrialisation and trade policy.
Jonard Asiimwe – Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation: Engineer Asiimwe replaces Dr Monica Musenero at the Science and Innovation docket after previously serving in technical and innovation circles.
Lawrence Muganga – State Minister for Internal Affairs: The Vice Chancellor of Victoria University becomes one of the most unexpected entrants into government. Muganga has built a public profile around education reform and innovation advocacy.
Amina Mukalazi – State Minister for Privatization and Investment: Mukalazi enters government at a strategic economic ministry amid increasing focus on investment and industrial growth.
Justine Nameere – State Minister for Local Government: A long-time NRM mobiliser and political activist, Nameere now enters executive government for the first time.
Jacqueline Mbabazi – State Minister for Elderly Affairs: Her appointment marks another notable political return into national visibility under the Gender ministry structure.
THE RETURNING FACES
Museveni also revived the political careers of several figures who had either spent years outside the Cabinet or had fallen out of frontline government.
Crispus Kiyonga – 2nd Deputy Prime Minister: A veteran politician and former ambassador to China, Kiyonga returns to active executive politics after years in diplomatic service and advisory roles.
Katumba Wamala – Minister of Public Service: Although Katumba served in the previous Cabinet as Works Minister, his move to Public Service represents a strategic repositioning after surviving a 2021 assassination attempt and maintaining visibility in government.
Balaam Barugahara – Minister of Local Government: Previously State Minister for Youth Affairs, Balaam now rises into full Cabinet rank, cementing his growing political influence within the NRM establishment.
THE BIGGEST LOSERS: WHO HAS BEEN DROPPED?
Several ministers who served prominently in the 2021–2026 Cabinet did not make it back into the new government lineup.
Ruth Nankabirwa: The former Energy Minister was removed from Cabinet and instead named Senior Presidential Advisor. Her exit marks one of the biggest changes in the energy sector.
Francis Mwebesa: The former Trade Minister was also shifted to a Senior Presidential Advisor role after serving in the Trade docket.
Evelyn Anite: Once one of Museveni’s most outspoken political mobilisers, Anite has been dropped from active Cabinet and reassigned as Senior Presidential Advisor.
Matia Kasaija: The long-serving Finance Minister is among the notable omissions from the new Cabinet, ending his tenure at one of government’s most powerful ministries.
Jeje Odongo: The veteran Foreign Affairs Minister exits Cabinet after years in top security and diplomatic positions.
Betty Amongi: The former Gender Minister did not return in the reshuffle despite serving in the previous Cabinet.
Raphael Magyezi: The former Local Government Minister, known for championing the removal of presidential age limits, was also dropped.
Sam Cheptoris: The former Water and Environment Minister exits Cabinet as Kahinda Otafiire takes over the docket.
Peter Lokeris: The long-serving Karamoja Affairs Minister was replaced by John Baptist Lokii.
Hamson Obua: The former Government Chief Whip was shifted to the role of Senior Presidential Advisor.
Kenneth Omona: Previously Minister for Northern Uganda, Omona was transferred to the diplomatic service and is expected to become an ambassador.
Wilson Muruli Mukasa: The former Public Service Minister did not return to Cabinet.
Moses Ali: The long-serving Second Deputy Prime Minister is also absent from the new Cabinet lineup.
A CABINET OF POLITICAL SIGNALS
The reshuffle appears to carry several political messages, rewarding loyalty, accommodating strategic alliances, bringing back influential historical figures and gradually introducing younger technocrats into government.
The cabinet also reflects the growing influence of security-linked figures and individuals associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda orbit around Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
At the same time, the removal of several veteran ministers suggests Museveni may be seeking a controlled transition within parts of government while maintaining tight political control over the Executive.
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