KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has dropped veteran politician Matia Kasaija from Cabinet and appointed Rubanda East MP Henry Musasizi as the new Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in a major reshuffle announced Tuesday.
The changes mark the end of Kasaija’s long tenure at the Finance Ministry, where he became one of the most recognisable figures in Uganda’s economic management team.
News of his exit quickly sparked reactions online and within political circles, with some colleagues expressing shock while praising his years of service.
“Colleagues, our veteran colleague has been shown the exit,” a social media post circulating among Members of Parliament read, before adding humorously: “However, the money will still come; only that it will be delivered by Rubanda County East MP Henry Musasizi.”
Musasizi, who previously served as State Minister for Finance in charge of General Duties, now takes charge of one of the country’s most powerful ministries at a time Uganda is facing mounting public debt pressures, youth unemployment concerns, and demands for increased public service funding.
Political analysts say the appointment signals President Museveni’s continued trust in technocrats who have worked closely within the Finance Ministry and understand government budgeting processes.
Kasaija, a longtime National Resistance Movement (NRM) historical figure and bush war veteran, has served in various ministerial positions for decades and was widely viewed as one of the senior-most members of the Cabinet.
His removal forms part of a broader Cabinet overhaul that saw nearly 28 ministers dropped as President Museveni reorganised his administration for the 2026–2031 term.
The reshuffle has introduced younger and relatively newer figures into key government positions while retaining several experienced officials in strategic offices.
Musasizi is expected to immediately begin preparations for the implementation of the new government’s economic agenda, including industrialisation, infrastructure financing, revenue mobilisation, and the Parish Development Model.
The Finance Ministry remains central to Uganda’s economic transformation strategy, making Musasizi’s appointment one of the most closely watched changes in the new Cabinet lineup.