The faces that kept Uganda talking this week

From political speculation and funeral drama to football heartbreak and diplomatic breakthroughs, these are the 10 personalities who made headlines.

Uganda has had quite a week. From the corridors of power to the unpredictable world of social media, public figures have provided plenty of talking points, some deliberately and others perhaps without planning to.

There were appointments, political disagreements, a military chief’s latest social media exit, a diplomatic breakthrough and even some football drama involving one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Here are 10 faces who kept Uganda and beyond talking this week.

1. Yoweri Museveni – The man with the appointment pen

President Museveni kicked off the week with one of the biggest administrative shake-ups, appointing 13 new Permanent Secretaries, retaining 16, redeploying 11 and retiring another 11.

The changes affected several government ministries and departments, bringing new faces into the public service while ending the careers of some long-serving officials.

As expected, the reshuffle sparked conversations about experience, performance and what the new appointees will bring to government.

For those who received appointments, it was certainly a good week. For those who exited, perhaps not so much.

2. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba – Another goodbye to X

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba once again demonstrated that his relationship with social media platform X remains complicated.

The army chief appeared to deactivate his account after a series of controversial posts directed at Vice President Jessica Alupo, including remarks suggesting she should prepare to leave office.

The disappearance of his account immediately generated speculation and discussion across social media.

For people who have followed Muhoozi’s online adventures, however, this was not entirely unfamiliar territory. He has announced departures from the platform before, only to return.

Whether this latest goodbye will be permanent is another question altogether.

3. Richard Todwong – The man putting out political fires

NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong had to step in after reports emerged claiming that the party’s Central Executive Committee had rejected efforts to position Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba as Uganda’s next president.

Todwong dismissed the reports as completely false, explaining that the CEC meeting held on November 10 discussed several issues concerning the country’s political, social and economic wellbeing.

His statement was a reminder of the delicate business of managing political communication, particularly when discussions about succession and the country’s political future are involved.

For the NRM secretary general, keeping the party’s communication lines clear is part of the job.

4. Rebecca Kadaga – The condolence message that caused a stir

First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga found herself at the centre of an uncomfortable public disagreement at the burial of former Iganga Woman MP Olivia Kabaale Kwagala.

The disagreement with Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda centred on who should read President Museveni’s condolence message.

What should have been a solemn farewell turned into an unexpected political spectacle, once again exposing the strained relationship between the two Busoga political heavyweights.

Apparently, even a condolence letter can generate political heat.

5. Milly Babalanda – The other half of the Busoga drama

If Kadaga was one half of the burial-ground disagreement, Babalanda was the other.

The Minister for the Presidency maintained that she had been assigned to deliver the President’s condolence message and was therefore entitled to read it.

Her disagreement with Kadaga attracted considerable attention, especially given the history of political rivalry between the two leaders.

It was certainly an appearance that generated more headlines than the ordinary ministerial speech at a funeral.

6. Ignatius Kagawa – A promising political career cut short

The death of Bukoova Town Council Mayor Ignatius Kagawa in a road accident was among the week’s saddest stories.

Kagawa, 43, died on November 7 while returning from a meeting of lower local government chairpersons in Busoga. He had served as mayor for only six months.

President Museveni mourned him, describing him as a patriot who had contributed to Uganda’s development.

The tragedy also renewed the conversation about road safety and the dangers of reckless driving.

Kagawa’s story was a sobering reminder that public service and life itself can be unexpectedly short.

7. Sandra Santa Alum-Ogwang – Taking accountability to Karamoja

Minister of State for Economic Monitoring Sandra Santa Alum-Ogwang is preparing to lead a 12-day government monitoring exercise across Karamoja.

Beginning November 16, the exercise will cover nine districts and examine the implementation of government programmes, including PDM, Emyooga and infrastructure projects.

With billions of shillings invested in the region, the minister says the exercise will identify implementation gaps and ensure public resources deliver tangible results.

For officials and contractors in Karamoja, the message is simple: the government wants to see what happened to the money.

8. Haruna Kasolo – Keeping the diplomatic conversation alive

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo also had his moment in Parliament after assuring legislators that Uganda would continue engaging the United States over its Level Four travel advisory.

The advisory has raised concerns among tourism operators and other players in the economy, particularly following Uganda’s declaration as Ebola-free.

Kasolo said government would pursue further bilateral discussions after earlier engagements failed to produce the desired outcome.

Diplomacy, it seems, sometimes requires more than one conversation.

9. Michael Carrick – From the dugout to the unemployment line

While Ugandans were busy following local political drama, Manchester United provided football lovers with another reason to discuss their favourite club.

The English giants sacked manager Michael Carrick on Thursday, November 12, following a disastrous start to the season.

United were reportedly sitting 18th in the Premier League after collecting only eight points from 10 matches.

Carrick had initially impressed after taking over as interim manager, earning a permanent contract after a strong run that included securing Champions League qualification.

But football management can be unforgiving. Yesterday’s hero can quickly become tomorrow’s casualty.

For Manchester United supporters, the question now is whether the next appointment will finally bring the glory days back.

10. Adonia Ayebare – A diplomatic win for Ugandans

Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Adonia Ayebare had a reason to smile after the United Arab Emirates lifted its suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals.

The restrictions had been introduced in June following Uganda’s Ebola outbreak.

Ayebare welcomed the decision and thanked the UAE government for reconsidering the measures after diplomatic engagements.

There is, however, a condition: travellers must have spent at least 21 days outside Uganda before entering the UAE, subject to the applicable health and immigration procedures.

For Ugandans travelling for work, business, education and other opportunities, the announcement was welcome news.

And that was the week! See next week 😜