KAMPALA, Uganda: President Museveni has appointed veteran National Resistance Movement (NRM) mobiliser Lydia Wanyoto as State Minister for Public Service in the newly unveiled 2026–2031 Cabinet, in what many within ruling party circles are describing as a reward for years of loyalty and political dedication.
Wanyoto, a long-serving NRM cadre and influential mobiliser within regional and continental politics, makes a return to frontline executive government after years serving in various political, diplomatic and party assignments.
She replaces Grace Mary Mugasa, who has been moved to the Office of the Prime Minister as State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs.
The Public Service ministry oversees government workforce management, public administration reforms, civil service coordination and implementation of policies affecting public servants across Uganda.
Political analysts say Wanyoto’s appointment reflects Museveni’s continued trust in historically loyal NRM figures who have remained active in mobilisation, party structures and regional diplomacy.
WHO IS LYDIA WANYOTO?
Wanyoto needs no introduction on Uganda’s political scene. She is one of the most recognisable female figures within the NRM establishment, having built a political career spanning Parliament, regional politics, youth mobilisation and continental diplomacy.
Born in 1971 in Mbale District, she first rose to prominence through student leadership before later joining active politics and government service.
Wanyoto also served in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), where she represented Uganda (2001 to 2006) and became known for her outspoken defence of regional integration and NRM government policies.
At the continental level, she served as a Commissioner at the African Union Commission, handling political affairs and peace-related assignments, a role that expanded her diplomatic and governance profile beyond Uganda. She is currently the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Within the NRM, Wanyoto has remained one of the party’s most visible mobilisers, regularly participating in national campaigns, ideological training and political mobilisation programmes.
Over the years, she has consistently defended President Museveni and the ruling party in both local and international political debates.
Her appointment to the Public Service ministry is being interpreted as both political recognition and a strategic deployment of an experienced cadre into government administration.
The Public Service docket plays a central role in shaping the efficiency, discipline and management of Uganda’s civil service, especially at a time when government continues pushing reforms aimed at improving service delivery and accountability.
As State Minister, Wanyoto will work under Gen Katumba Wamala, who was appointed full Minister for Public Service in the new Cabinet.
Although she has remained politically active for years, she had spent a lengthy period outside the frontline Cabinet despite maintaining close ties within the ruling establishment.
Her latest appointment is therefore being viewed by supporters as a long-awaited political reward for consistency, loyalty and service to the party over decades.
Inside NRM circles, several cadres reportedly welcomed Wanyoto’s return to active government, describing her as disciplined, experienced and ideologically grounded.
The appointment also strengthens female representation in Museveni’s Cabinet while reinforcing the President’s reliance on trusted historical party mobilisers.
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