KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has dropped a large number of veteran ministers from Cabinet in one of the most extensive political reshuffles in recent years, signaling a major reset for Uganda’s 2026–2031 administration.
The new Cabinet, announced this week, saw nearly 28 ministers removed from frontline government positions as the President ushered in new faces and reorganised key ministries ahead of the new term.
Among the notable casualties of the reshuffle is veteran Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, who has served in government for decades. He has reportedly been replaced by Henry Musasizi at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Former Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa, ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi’s ally Raphael Magyezi, and State Minister Christine Adoa were also dropped from Cabinet.
Other high-profile figures who lost their ministerial positions include former Second Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali, Internal Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo, Health State Minister Kaducu Moriku, and Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa.
The reshuffle also affected several ministers from the Karamoja, Acholi, Teso, and Busoga sub-regions, including Peter Lokeris, Henry Okello Oryem, and Florence Nambozo.
Others dropped include Obiga Kania, Muruli Mukasa, Evelyn Anite, Betty Amongi, Sam Cheptoris, Bwino Kyakulaga, Kenneth Omona, David Muhoozi, Hamson Obua, and Hellen Asamo.
Some of the dropped ministers are expected to take on new assignments outside Cabinet. Reports indicate that Evelyn Anite, Hamson Obua, and Ruth Nankabirwa could be redeployed as Senior Presidential Advisors, while Kenneth Omona is reportedly being considered for a diplomatic posting.
Political analysts say the reshuffle reflects President Museveni’s attempt to consolidate loyalty, inject fresh energy into government, and reposition the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the next phase of governance.
The changes have already triggered intense debate within political circles, with supporters describing the reshuffle as bold and strategic, while critics argue that several experienced technocrats were pushed aside despite their long service.
The full Cabinet list released by State House confirms one of the biggest overhauls of Uganda’s executive arm in recent history.