Pressure continues to mount among Ugandan Ministers as President Museveni finalizes the composition of his new Cabinet.
ChimpReports has learned that President Museveni was absent from this week’s Cabinet meeting at State House Entebbe, sparking speculation within Cabinet circles about imminent changes. Sources indicated that it’s uncommon for the President to miss the weekly Monday morning Cabinet sessions. “The President rarely misses Cabinet meetings. However, on Monday (February 12), he was absent,” a source disclosed anonymously.
This absence fueled speculation that the President is preparing for a new Cabinet lineup.
The President’s deputy spokesperson, Farouk Kirunda, urged calm amid public speculation about an impending cabinet reshuffle, stating, “In case the Appointing Authority reshuffles his Cabinet, you will be informed through the official channels.” Aides of Ministers revealed that their bosses are actively lobbying to retain their positions. “My boss reached out to clergy in Rubaga to plead with the President to retain him in the upcoming cabinet reshuffle,” said an aide of a Cabinet minister from Buganda.
It’s reported that other Ministers are using various channels, including personal contacts with the President’s associates, to secure their positions in the Cabinet.
The proposed Bills include amendments to rationalize government agencies across different sectors, including Education, Internal Affairs, Natural Resources and Environment, and Works and Transport. The merger of various government institutions is expected to pave the way for the appointment of new Cabinet Ministers.
ChimpReports recently revealed a leaked list of new Cabinet Ministers, causing unrest within State House. However, the list, which included several army officers, was reportedly withdrawn by President Museveni for undisclosed reasons.
President Museveni has been planning changes in his Cabinet since late December 2023.
“The pressure is really building up in Cabinet,” remarked a long-serving minister, “because, for sure, we don’t know what is coming up next, and our constituents are restless and worried. Being dropped just two years before the 2026 elections can be distressing.”
In the political corridors, there’s talk that Museveni is awaiting the passage of Bills by Parliament aimed at rationalizing agencies across four sectors before announcing his new Cabinet. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced on February 8, 2024, that the government would table Bills the following week to address this rationalization.
