KAMPALA – Amidst the celebrations across the five Kigezi districts of Rukungiri, Kanungu, Kisoro, Rubanda, and Kabale following the release of the 2026–2031 Cabinet reshuffle, Rukiga District won none of the big political positions.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The district, carved out of former Kabale territory in 2017, had been lobbying for meaningful representation at the highest levels of government. After the names were announced, no son or daughter of Rukiga appeared on the list.
About seven Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State from the Kigezi sub-region emerged as big political winners, except for Rukiga District, which was a glaring exception.
The mountainous district of Rukungiri, the political bedrock of the region, scored two major appointments: Hon. Jim Muhwezi (Rujumbura County) and Hon. Henry Tumukunde (Rukungiri Municipality) were appointed as Cabinet Minister of Security at the Office of the President and substantive Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, respectively.
Kanungu District celebrated double representation following the appointment of Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi (Kinkizi East), who was elevated to Minister of Health, while Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi, MP for Older Persons (Western Region), was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Rubanda’s Hon. Henry Musasizi (Rubanda County) was handed a full portfolio as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Meanwhile, David Bahati (former MP for Ndorwa County West, Kabale) and Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano (Woman MP, Kisoro) were positioned as Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry) and Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), respectively.
Full Cabinet List:
Below is the comprehensive proposed Cabinet list released by President Museveni, exercising his constitutional powers under Articles 108, 108A, 111, 113, and 114 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
Vice President – Hon. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (Maj. Rtd)
Prime Minister & Leader of Government Business in Parliament – Hon. Robinah Nabanja
Cabinet Ministers;
1. 1st Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for East African Community Affairs – Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga
2. 2nd Deputy Prime Minister & Deputy Leader of Gov’t Business in Parliament – Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga
3. 3rd Deputy Prime Minister & Minister without Portfolio – Hon. Lukia Nakadama
4. Minister of Education and Sports – Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni
5. Minister, Office of the President (Presidency) – Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda
6. Minister, Office of the President (Security) – Hon. Jim Muhwezi
7. Minister, Office of the President (Science, Technology & Innovation) – Eng. Asiimwe Jonard
8. Minister for Kampala Capital City & Metropolitan Affairs – Hon. Minsa Kabanda
9. Minister, Office of the Prime Minister (General Duties) – Hon. Eng. Hillary Onek
10. Government Chief Whip – Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba
11. Minister, OPM (Relief, Disaster Preparedness & Refugees) – Hon. Sam Engola
12. Minister for Karamoja Affairs – Hon. Lokii John Baptist
13. Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry & Fisheries – Hon. Frank Tumwebaze
14. Attorney General – Hon. Sam Mayanja
15. Minister of Defence & Veteran Affairs – Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka
16. Minister of Energy & Mineral Development – Hon. Dr. Musenero Monica Musanza
17. Minister of Finance, Planning & Economic Development – Hon. Henry Musasizi
18. Minister of Foreign Affairs – Amb. Adonia Ayebare
19. Minister of Gender, Labour & Social Development – Hon. Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu
20. Minister of Health – Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi
21. Minister of Information, ICT & National Guidance – Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero
22. Minister of Internal Affairs – Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu
23. Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs – Hon. Nobert Mao
24. Minister of Lands, Housing & Urban Development – Hon. Judith Nabakooba
25. Minister of Local Government – Hon. Balaam Barugahara
26. Minister of Public Service – Gen. Katumba Wamala
27. Minister of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities – Hon. Tom Butime
28. Minister of Trade, Industry & Cooperatives – Hon. Sanjay Tanna
29. Minister of Water & Environment – Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire
30. Minister of Works & Transport – Hon. Byamukama Fred
Ministers of State:
Office of the President
· Economic Monitoring – Hon. Alum Sandra Santa
· Ethics and Integrity – Hon. Akello Rose
Office of the Vice President
· Hon. Mutasingwa Diana Nankunda
Ministry of Defence & Veteran Affairs
· Defence – Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano
· Veteran Affairs – Hon. Oleru Huda
Ministry of Education & Sports
· Higher Education – Hon. Dr. Muyingo John Chrysostom
· Primary Education – Hon. Phyllis Chemutai
· Sports – Hon. Peter Ogwang
Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development
· Hon. Kuteesa Mary Kamuli
· Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi (Older Persons, Western Region)
Ministry of Internal Affairs
· Dr. Lawrence Muganga
Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities
· Hon. Nakawuki Susan Nsambu
Ministry of Trade, Industry & Cooperatives (Industry)
· Hon. David Bahati
Senior Presidential Advisors
1. Hon. Hamson Obua
2. Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa
3. Hon. Francis Mwebesa
4. Hon. Evelyn AniteHon
.Dr. Kenneth Omona has been transferred to the Diplomatic Service as Ambassador, with his station to be communicated later.
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