Breaking News: Museveni dumps ministers, names fresh faces in new cabinet reshuffle

Phil Will 26 May 2026

President Yoweri Museveni has unveiled a new Cabinet for the 2026–2031 term, making sweeping changes across key government ministries in what appears to be one of the most significant reshuffles in recent years.

The new appointments, announced Tuesday evening through a State House press release, retained some senior figures while dropping, transferring and elevating several ministers and political allies.

Among the biggest changes is the appointment of Ambassador Adonia Ayebare as Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing Gen. Jeje Odongo. Ayebare has been serving as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

In the security sector, Kiryowa Kiwanuka was named Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, taking over from Jacob Oboth-Oboth.

Former army commander Gen. Katumba Wamala was moved from the Works and Transport ministry to head the Ministry of Public Service, while Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire shifted to the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu returned to Cabinet as Minister of Internal Affairs, replacing Gen. David Muhoozi, who was dropped.

Another surprise entrant is retired Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, who was appointed Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

Museveni also handed the powerful Finance Ministry to Henry Musasizi, replacing Matia Kasaija. Dr. Monica Musenero Musanza was appointed Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.

In local government, Balaam Barugahara was elevated to Cabinet Minister for Local Government, while businessman Sanjay Tanna was named Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

The President also named a new group of Senior Presidential Advisors, including former ministers Hamson Obua, Ruth Nankabirwa, Francis Mwebesa and Evelyn Anite.

Dr. Kenneth Omona was transferred to the diplomatic service and will serve as ambassador at a station yet to be communicated.

The appointments are subject to parliamentary vetting and approval as required under the Constitution.

Full Cabinet List 2026–2031

Top Leadership

Vice President – Jessica Alupo
Prime Minister – Robinah Nabbanja
1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs – Rebecca Kadaga
2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business – Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga
3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio – Lukia Nakadama

Cabinet Ministers

Minister of Education and Sports – Janet Museveni
Minister, Office of the President (Presidency) – Milly Babalanda
Minister, Office of the President (Security) – Jim Muhwezi
Minister, Office of the President (Science, Technology and Innovation) – Eng. Asiimwe Jonard
Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs – Minsa Kabanda
Minister, Office of the Prime Minister (General Duties) – Hillary Onek
Government Chief Whip – Justine Kasule Lumumba
Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees – Sam Engola
Minister for Karamoja Affairs – Lokii John Baptist
Minister of Agriculture – Frank Tumwebaze
Attorney General – Sam Mayanja
Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs – Kiryowa Kiwanuka
Minister of Energy and Mineral Development – Dr. Monica Musenero
Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development – Henry Musasizi
Minister of Foreign Affairs – Adonia Ayebare
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development – Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde
Minister of Health – Dr. Chris Baryomunsi
Minister of ICT and National Guidance – Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng
Minister of Internal Affairs – Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs – Norbert Mao
Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development – Judith Nabakooba
Minister of Local Government – Balaam Barugahara
Minister of Public Service – Gen. Katumba Wamala
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities – Tom Butime
Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives – Sanjay Tanna
Minister of Water and Environment – Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire
Minister of Works and Transport – Fred Byamukama

Key Ministers of State

Minister of State for Defence – Grace Ngabirano Akifeza
Minister of State for Veteran Affairs – Huda Oleru
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs) – Calvin Echodu
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs) – Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune
Minister of State for Finance (Planning) – Amos Lugoloobi
Minister of State for Finance (Microfinance) – Shartsi Musherure Kutesa
Minister of State for Minerals – Phiona Nyamutoro
Minister of State for Housing – Persis Namuganza
Minister of State for Tourism – Susan Nsambu Nakawuki
Minister of State for Trade – Gen. Wilson Mbadi
Minister of State for Industry – David Bahati
Minister of State for Works – Siraji Musa Ali
Minister of State for Transport – Julius Wandera Maganda