KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has dropped Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa and Investment State Minister Evelyn Anite from his cabinet, reassigning them as senior presidential advisors for the 2026–2031 political term.
The announcements were made in a newly released executive list that moves several long-serving political figures into advisory roles outside the core cabinet.
Reassignments and Exits
Nankabirwa, who previously managed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, will be replaced by Dr. Monica Musenero Musanza.
Anite, the former minister of state for privatization and investment, will be replaced by Amina Mukalazi.
Former Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa and Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua were also omitted from the active ministerial lineup. Museveni designated Nankabirwa, Anite, Mwebesa, and Obua as senior presidential advisors in fields to be specified later.
In a separate assignment, Dr. Kenneth Omona was transferred from the executive branch to the diplomatic service as an ambassador.
Executive Lineup Changes
The 2026–2031 list introduces changes across several senior ministries, though top leadership remains constant. Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja retained their positions. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga enters the top tier as second deputy prime minister.
In the financial sector, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija was dropped from the cabinet. Henry Musasizi was named the new minister of finance, planning and economic development.
The legal and security dockets were also reshuffled. Kiryowa Kiwanuka leaves the position of attorney general to become the minister of defense and veteran affairs, replacing Jacob Oboth Markson. Sam Mayanja was appointed as the new attorney general.
New Appointments
Museveni elevated several individuals to senior and state minister roles to fill vacancies left by the outgoing officials.
Balaam Barugahara was promoted to cabinet minister for local government, replacing Raphael Magyezi.
Sanjay Tanna joins the cabinet as minister of trade, industry and cooperatives, replacing Mwebesa.
Dr. Lawrence Muganga, vice chancellor of Kampala International University, was named minister of state for internal affairs.
Justine Nameere was appointed minister of state for local government.
The nominations have been forwarded to the Appointments Committee of Parliament for vetting and approval.
