KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has released a newly proposed cabinet list, introducing a wave of fresh faces while retaining several key stalwarts in top government positions.
The announcement, issued by the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, invokes the president’s powers under various sub-articles of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda to reshuffle the executive branch.
The Top Leadership
At the apex of the government, continuity remains the priority. The president has maintained Hon. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (Maj. Rtd) as Vice President, while Hon. Robinah Nabbanja continues her role as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
The senior leadership team is bolstered by a reshuffled tier of Deputy Prime Ministers:
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1st Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for East African Community Affairs: Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga
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2nd Deputy Prime Minister & Deputy Leader of Government Business: Hon. Dr Crispus Walter Kiyonga
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3rd Deputy Prime Minister & Minister without Portfolio: Hon. Lukia Nakadama
Major Changes and Key Cabinet Appointments
The new cabinet list reveals critical portfolio shifts and new entrants across strategic ministries:
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Education and Sports: First Lady Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni retains her position at the helm of the education ministry.
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Defence and Security: Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka has been proposed as the new Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, while Hon. Jim Muhwezi remains the Minister for Security.
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Foreign Affairs: In a notable appointment, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare has been tapped to lead the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Local Government: In one of the most surprising additions, prominent socialite and events promoter Hon. Balaam Barugahara has been named the Minister of Local Government.
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Justice and Finance: Hon. Nobert Mao retains his docket as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, while Hon. Henry Musasizi is designated as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
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Science and Technology: Eng. Asiimwe Jonard takes over as the Minister in charge of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Shift to Presidential Advisors
A key feature of this reshuffle is the transition of several high-profile former ministers into the role of Senior Presidential Advisors. These include:
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Hon. Hamson Obua
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Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa
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Hon. Francis Mwebesa
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Hon. Evelyn Anite
The specific fields of advice for these officials will be communicated by the State House at a later date. Additionally, Hon. Dr Kenneth Omona has been officially transferred from the cabinet framework into the Diplomatic Service to serve as an Ambassador.
Next Steps
Per constitutional requirements, all proposed names for Vice President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and Ministers of State will now be forwarded to the Parliament of Uganda for vetting and confirmation before they can officially take their oaths of office.
Below is a summary of the structural layout of the proposed executive dockets:
| Level | Key Figures |
| Executive Leadership |
Vice President Alupo, Prime Minister Nabbanja |
| Key Ministries |
Janet Museveni (Education), Kiryowa Kiwanuka (Defence), Adonia Ayebare (Foreign Affairs) |
| New Roles / Advisors |
Balaam Barugahara (Local Gov’t), Obua & Nankabirwa (Senior Advisors) |