President Yoweri Museveni has unveiled a new cabinet that strongly consolidates the influence of some of the ruling National Resistance Movement’s most senior and trusted political figures, with Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, Presidency Minister Milly Babalanda and Public Service Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala all retaining or securing key positions.
The cabinet list released on Tuesday by the Presidency places Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo at the heart of government once again, signaling continued confidence in the former Education Minister and retired UPDF Major.
Robinah Nabbanja also survives another reshuffle as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, cementing her standing as one of the most influential women in the current administration.
Former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga also makes a major political comeback in the new arrangement after being named First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, a position expected to restore her visibility at the center of regional politics.
Museveni further maintained confidence in Milly Babalanda, who remains Minister for the Presidency, one of the most sensitive offices in government due to its close coordination with State House and national political operations.
Gen. Katumba Wamala, another long-serving and influential figure in the regime, was appointed Minister of Public Service after previously serving in the Works and Transport docket. His redeployment is expected to strengthen oversight of the public sector and civil service reforms.
The cabinet also saw several notable changes and fresh appointments across key ministries. Henry Musasizi was named Minister of Finance, replacing Matia Kasaija, while Ambassador Adonia Ayebare takes over the Foreign Affairs docket. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi was appointed Minister of Health, and Norbert Mao retained a central role as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Janet Kataaha Museveni was retained as Minister of Education and Sports, while Balaam Barugahara entered cabinet as Minister of Local Government. Sanjay Tanna was named Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives in one of the more surprising appointments in the reshuffle.
The new lineup also introduced several new ministers of state, including Calvin Echodu in Foreign Affairs, Amina Mukalazi in Finance, and David Bahati in the Trade ministry.
In another significant development, former State Minister Dr. Kenneth Omona was transferred to the diplomatic service and will serve as ambassador at a station yet to be announced.
The appointments are expected to trigger intense political debate, particularly over the continued dominance of long-serving NRM loyalists and the balancing of regional and gender interests within Museveni’s administration.
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