President Yoweri Museveni has appointed long-time National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth mobilizer Joseph Mukasa Sewava as Special Envoy of the President on Buganda Affairs, a new role aimed at strengthening relations between State House and Buganda institutions.
The appointment was announced by the State House of Uganda on Saturday. “H.E. the President has appointed Joseph Mukasa Sewava as the Special Envoy of the President on Buganda Affairs,” State House said in a brief statement.
The position comes amid long-standing tensions between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom over issues including autonomy, land rights, and revenue sharing. Political analysts say the move signals renewed efforts by President Museveni to ease relations in Buganda, Uganda’s economic and political heartland, ahead of the 2026 general elections.
NRM allies were quick to welcome the appointment. State Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi congratulated Sewava, writing, “Congratulations Mr Joseph Mukasa Sewava on the appointment.”
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among also praised the new envoy, describing him as a trusted cadre of the ruling party. “I congratulate my son Joseph Sewava upon his appointment by H.E. President Museveni as special envoy. Go serve our trusted leader with all the commitment, loyalty and focus. May God give you the wisdom and health to serve diligently,” she said.
Sewava is widely known within NRM circles for his grassroots mobilization, particularly among the youth in central Uganda. Supporters say his familiarity with Buganda’s political dynamics could help improve communication between the presidency and the region’s leadership.
However, critics have questioned the scope and effectiveness of the new role, noting that details regarding the envoy’s mandate, authority, and remuneration have not been made public.
