By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin   L. H. D (Hon.)

Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced a new list of proposed appointments for top government positions, including the Vice President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Senior Presidential Advisors.

The appointments, made under Articles 108, 108A, 111, 113, and 114 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, are aimed at strengthening government leadership and service delivery across various sectors.

Among the key appointments, Maj. Rtd. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo has been retained as Vice President, while Robinah Nabbanja remains Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

The new Cabinet lineup includes Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga as 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga as 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, and Lukia Nakadama as 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio.
First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni has been maintained as Minister of Education and Sports, while Henry Musasizi takes charge of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Ambassador Adonia Ayebare has been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Other notable appointments include Norbert Mao as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Tom Butime as Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and Balaam Barugahara as Minister of Local Government.

In the health sector, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has been named Minister of Health, while Dr. Charles Ayume becomes Minister of State for Primary Health Care.
The Ministry of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance will be headed by Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, with Joyce Ssebugwawo serving as Minister of State for Information.

The President also announced several appointments of Ministers of State across different ministries, covering sectors such as agriculture, defence, education, energy, finance, gender, lands, tourism, trade, water, and transport.

In addition, four former ministers — Hamson Obua, Ruth Nankabirwa, Francis Mwebesa, and Evelyn Anite — are set to serve as Senior Presidential Advisors in portfolios to be communicated later.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kenneth Omona has been transferred to the diplomatic service and will serve as Ambassador at a station yet to be announced.

An analyst speaking to HICGI News Agency says the appointment of Amb. Adonia Ayebare as Minister of Foreign Affairs, reportedly backed by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s endorsement, is a clear indication that President Museveni’s son is steadily gaining influence within government circles.

The analyst further notes that this growing influence has also been visible in Parliament, particularly following endorsements linked to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions. However, he maintains that President Museveni still remains firmly in control of government affairs, especially after retaining much of his old Cabinet in the latest appointments.
He adds that the reshuffle involving Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng and Dr. Chris Baryomunsi in the Health Ministry further confirms the President’s continued grip on key government decisions.

President Museveni also appeared to reward his longtime ally and former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi through the appointment of Jacqueline Mbabazi to the Cabinet.

The proposed appointments are expected to be forwarded for the necessary parliamentary processes before formal assumption of office.