Uganda’s Museveni retains wife in new Cabinet

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has retained his wife, Janet Museveni, as Education Minister in a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle ahead of the 2026-2031 term.

The changes, announced Tuesday night under provisions of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, introduced new faces into government while keeping several key allies in strategic positions.

Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja both maintained their roles in the new executive lineup.

Museveni’s reshuffle covered Cabinet ministers, ministers of state, and senior presidential advisers as Uganda’s 12th Parliament begins its new legislative cycle.

One of the major changes saw Uganda’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare, appointed Foreign Affairs Minister. Dr Chris Baryomunsi was moved from the Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance Ministry to head the Health Ministry, replacing Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, who now takes charge of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

Veteran Finance Minister Matia Kasaija was dropped from Cabinet in one of the most notable exits. Balaam Barugahara also shifted from Youth and Children Affairs to the Local Government Ministry.

Gen Katumba Wamala replaced Wilson Muruli Mukasa as Public Service Minister, while businessman Sanjay Tanna was named Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives. Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire was transferred from Internal Affairs to the Water and Environment Ministry, with Fred Byamukama taking over Works and Transport.

The reshuffle also brought several new entrants into government. Desire Muhooza was appointed Agriculture Minister, Robert Ndugwa Migadde was handed Fisheries, while Grace Kifeza Ngabirano assumed responsibility for Defence and Veterans Affairs. Magode Ikuya was named Minister for East African Affairs, and Phyllis Chemutai took over Primary Education.

In the Finance Ministry, Cissy Mulondo became Minister of State for General Duties, Amina Mukalazi was assigned Privatization and Investment, while Shartsi Kutesa Musherure was appointed to Micro-Finance.

Museveni also named senior presidential advisers, including Hamson Obua, Ruth Nankabirwa, Francis Mwebesa, and Evelyn Anite, while Kenneth Omona was transferred to Uganda’s diplomatic service as an ambassador.

The reshuffle introduced younger political figures and technocrats into government, signalling a blend of continuity and controlled renewal as Museveni’s administration prepares to focus on wealth creation, infrastructure development, and public service delivery.