KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed seasoned diplomat Adonia Ayebare as Uganda’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs in a major cabinet reshuffle unveiled for the 2026–2031 term.
Ayebare, 59, replaces outgoing Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo, ending the retired general’s tenure at the ministry as President Museveni moves to reposition Uganda’s diplomatic leadership amid growing regional and international engagements.
The appointment has been widely welcomed within diplomatic and political circles, with observers describing Ayebare as one of Uganda’s most experienced foreign policy figures.
A former journalist and academic with a PhD, Ayebare has served in several high-profile diplomatic assignments, including as Uganda’s ambassador to Rwanda and Burundi. He has also represented Uganda at the United Nations, where he gained recognition for his role in multilateral diplomacy and regional peace engagements.
His appointment comes at a critical time as Uganda continues to play a central role in regional security discussions involving the Great Lakes region, Sudan, eastern Congo, and Somalia, while also strengthening ties with emerging global powers.
President Museveni retained Jessica Alupo as Vice President and Robinah Nabbanja as Prime Minister in the new Cabinet lineup.
Shortly after the announcement, Ayebare publicly thanked the President for entrusting him with the new responsibility.
“I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the confidence and trust you have placed in me by appointing me Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uganda,” Ayebare said in a statement shared online.
“I remain fully committed to advancing Uganda’s foreign policy objectives, safeguarding our national interests, and strengthening our diplomatic relations across the region and globally,” he added.
Diplomatic observers say Ayebare’s international experience and long-standing networks could strengthen Uganda’s influence in continental and global affairs, particularly as the country continues its active engagement within the African Union and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Officials from Uganda’s diplomatic corps and regional organisations have already praised the appointment, describing Ayebare as a skilled negotiator with deep understanding of African geopolitics and international relations.
The appointment is part of a broader cabinet overhaul that saw several long-serving ministers dropped as President Museveni ushered in what analysts describe as a new phase of governance focused on diplomacy, economic transformation, and regional influence.
