ENTEBBE — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday presided over the swearing-in of Uganda’s newly appointed Cabinet ministers and Ministers of State at State House Entebbe, officially ushering in a new administration tasked with implementing the government’s priorities.
A total of 78 members of the Executive took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Minister, formally assuming their responsibilities following their recent approval by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
The ceremony was overseen by the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ms Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, and attended by senior government officials, judicial leaders, security chiefs, permanent secretaries, family members and friends of the ministers.
Addressing the newly sworn-in leaders, President Museveni offered a brief message of congratulations and encouragement. “Here, I just congratulate you and wish you good luck,” the President said.
Among the senior leaders sworn in were Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, alongside a mix of retained and newly appointed Cabinet ministers.
Notable Cabinet members who took the oath included Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Crispus Walter Kiyonga, Lukia Isanga Nakadama, Henry Musasizi, Chris Baryomunsi, Frank Tumwebaze, Norbert Mao and Balaam Barugahara, among others.
Dozens of Ministers of State were also sworn in under various ministries, including Finance, Health, Agriculture, Education, Gender, Defence, Energy, ICT, Tourism, Trade, Water and Works.
The ministers pledged loyalty to the Republic of Uganda, committed themselves to protecting and defending the Constitution, and undertook to faithfully execute their duties while maintaining confidentiality on matters of state.
Speaking on behalf of the Public Service, Ms Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye reminded the ministers that the oath they had taken represented a solemn constitutional obligation to serve Ugandans with integrity and patriotism.
“This means putting the interests of your country above personal interests and dedicating yourselves fully to advancing the welfare and prosperity of our citizens,” she said.
She assured the ministers of the Public Service’s support in implementing government policies and urged them to embrace teamwork and collective responsibility.
“As the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, I would like to assure you that the Public Service stands ready to support you in the execution of your responsibilities,” Ms Nakyobe said.
The Secretary to the Cabinet also announced an induction programme for ministers scheduled from June 14 to June 23, 2026, at the National Leadership Institute, Kyankwanzi. The training will cover Cabinet procedures, government systems, policy implementation mechanisms and the responsibilities of members of the Executive.
Despite the large turnout, five appointed ministers did not attend the swearing-in ceremony. Ms Nakyobe disclosed that one of the absent Cabinet ministers was indisposed, while reports concerning the other four had been submitted to the President for guidance.
The ceremony was attended by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, officials from the Inspectorate of Government, security chiefs, permanent secretaries, the Solicitor General, and relatives of the newly sworn-in ministers.
The swearing-in marks the formal commencement of duties for the new Cabinet as the government prepares to implement its agenda for the 2026–2031 term.