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
Senior Presidential Advisors
- Hamson Obua
- Ruth Nankabirwa
- Francis Mwebesa
- Evelyn Anite
Major Changes and Exits
- Adonia Ayebare replaces Jeje Odongo at Foreign Affairs
- Henry Musasizi replaces Matia Kasaija at Finance
- Kiryowa Kiwanuka replaces Jacob Oboth-Oboth at Defence
- Ephraim Kamuntu replaces Gen. David Muhoozi at Internal Affairs
- Katumba Wamala moved from Works to Public Service
- Kahinda Otafiire moved to Water and Environment
- Jane Ruth Aceng shifted from Health to ICT
- Chris Baryomunsi appointed Health Minister
- Balaam Barugahara elevated to Cabinet
- Sanjay Tanna joins Cabinet as Trade Minister
- Kenneth Omona transferred to diplomatic service
- Ruth Nankabirwa, Francis Mwebesa and Evelyn Anite moved to advisory roles
