Rukiga County MP Kiconco Patrick Katabazi has issued a consoling message to the people of Rukiga following online protests against their district’s exclusion from recent new cabinet appointments.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The lawyer-turned-politician composed a detailed message dedicated to the residents of Rukiga after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni unveiled the new list of 81 cabinet members, predominantly comprising Members of Parliament selected from various districts across Uganda.
The Message posted on a WhatsApp Forum named FRIENDS OF KP, followed several messages in which some online protestors from Rukiga called for a “peaceful demonstration to express their dissatisfaction with the New Cabinet list”
In the new cabinet released on May 26, 2026, Rujumbura County MP Hon. Jim Muhwezi was retained as Minister of Security, Rukungiri Municipality MP Hon. Henry Tumukunde was appointed Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, and Kisoro Woman MP Hon. Grace Akifeeza was appointed State Minister of Defense.
Other notable appointments fom Kigezi include former Ndorwa West MP Hon. David Bahati, who was retained as State Minister of Industry; Jacqueline Mbabazi, MP representing Western Uganda Elderly, was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Elderly Affairs); and Rubanda East MP Hon. Henry Musasizi, who was appointed Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.
While the rest of Kigezi region celebrated the seven ministerial appointments allocated to the area via online platforms, Rukiga residents found themselves in a different state. Many protested what some perceived as an unfair omission, especially considering the district’s overwhelming support for Museveni and the NRM during the 2026 general election.
In an effort to calm tensions, Advocate Kiconco Patrick Katabazi, popularly known as KP, wrote a comprehensive message to the online community, urging them to “remain calm and keep hope alive.”
KP acknowledged the frustration expressed by Rukiga voters and their persistent demands for fairness. However, he emphasized that a cabinet position is not the only avenue to bring about meaningful change in the district.
He reminded the residents that during the campaigns, he and the District Woman MP, Dr. Sylvia Alinaitwe, specifically requested the mandate to serve as Members of Parliament. Their primary focus, he said, was to deliver on that mandate and to represent the people of Rukiga effectively.
Full Statement by Hon. Kiconco Patrick Katabazi
“To the Great People of Rukiga District,
I have observed that following the President’s release of the new Cabinet list this evening, many of you have taken to social media to express your disappointment and anger. It is entirely understandable to feel aggrieved that Rukiga remains the only district in the Kigezi region without a ministerial appointment, especially after our outstanding, 100% NRM electoral victory—a milestone we strongly believe merited representation in the Cabinet.
Many of you are rightfully questioning the level of appreciation shown to Rukiga. It is a stark reality that throughout the President’s 40-year leadership, Rukiga has been granted only two ministers, whose combined time in office totals a mere five years. Meanwhile, neighboring districts have consistently received cabinet appointments, term after term.
Despite this historical imbalance, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the President for fulfilling his constitutional duty in appointing the Cabinet. I also congratulate all those who have been selected to serve.
Please remember that during the campaigns, Hon. Dr. Sylvia Alinaitwe and I specifically asked for your mandate to serve as your Members of Parliament—a responsibility we vigorously campaigned for. You voted overwhelmingly for us, and we remain deeply grateful. Our primary obligation is to deliver on that mandate and to represent you effectively.
I urge you all to remain calm and keep hope alive. We do not need a cabinet slot to make a difference; we are fully committed to performing the duties entrusted to us. Together, we will ensure that Rukiga’s voice is heard loudly in Parliament and that our development goals are aggressively pursued.
Thank you, and may God bless you.
Hon. Kiconco Katabazi Patrick, Member of Parliament, Rukiga District“
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