President Yoweri Museveni is set to announce a new cabinet in the coming hours as he begins his latest term. The formation of a fresh executive team is a constitutional requirement at the start of each presidential tenure and offers the head of state an opportunity to assess ministers’ performance, adjust political balances and advance strategic priorities across government.
In Uganda, cabinet composition traditionally reflects more than individual merit. Regional representation, loyalty within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), gender balance and emerging intra‑party alliances all influence the final roster. Historically, ministers who lose their parliamentary seats are often excluded from the new cabinet, although the practice is not codified in law. Recent examples show that the rule is not absolute: Judith Nabakooba, who lost the Mityana District Woman MP seat in 2021, retained her portfolio as Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Conversely, senior figures such as David Bahati, former Trade and Cooperatives State Minister, and Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, are widely expected to depart.
The upcoming list is likely to be shaped by the growing influence of First Son Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) faction, which has been active in recent appointments. Analysts also note that President Museveni frequently makes last‑minute changes after a cabinet list leaks, adding an element of unpredictability to the process.
Key incumbents whose positions are under scrutiny include Vice President Jessica Alupo, who has served since June 2021 and is rumored to be considered for the defence portfolio; Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, whose role has expanded since the 2021 reshuffle; and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, who retained a senior post after losing the parliamentary speaker race. Long‑standing ministers such as Moses Ali, Hilary Onek and Jacob Oboth‑Oboth are expected to remain, while others, including Minister of Public Service Wilson Muruli Mukasa and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeje Odongo, face possible reassignment.
Gender balance remains a focal point. While several women ministers, including Judith Nabakooba and Ruth Nankabirwa, are anticipated to stay, the fate of others, notably Betty Amongi, will affect the overall representation of women in the cabinet.
The reshuffle will also test the NRM’s internal cohesion ahead of the next electoral cycle. Retaining ministers who have demonstrated loyalty despite electoral setbacks could reinforce the party’s unity, whereas the removal of high‑profile figures may signal a shift toward new leadership within the movement.
As the announcement approaches, observers will watch for indications of how President Museveni intends to align his executive team with the government’s policy agenda on security, economic development and social services. The composition of the new cabinet will set the tone for Uganda’s governance over the next five years, influencing both domestic reforms and the country’s engagement with regional and international partners.
