President Museveni addressing NRM leaders from Busoga sub region during a meeting at Iganga Girls School grounds in Iganga town recently. PPU Photo
As earlier reported, attention is increasingly turning to the composition of President Yoweri Museveni’s 2026–2031 Cabinet, following the January 15, 2026 presidential and parliamentary elections. Political sources indicate that the next Cabinet will feature a mix of new entrants, returning old guards, and notable exits, shaped largely by electoral outcomes, regional balancing, and political loyalty.
Prime Minister’s Office
At the Office of the Prime Minister, Denis Hamson Obua is unlikely to continue as Government Chief Whip after losing his parliamentary seat to UPC’s Jalameso. However, sources say President Museveni is unlikely to discard Obua entirely and may instead assign him a State Minister position.
Gender Ministry Shifts
At the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi is expected to exit Cabinet. Amongi, who has served as the substantive minister, suffered a decisive defeat in the Lira City Woman MP race while challenging Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng. Her Cabinet stay had partly been linked to a perceived cooperation arrangement between UPC and NRM, which sources now say may no longer be operative.
In contrast, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balam Barugahara, is expected to retain his Cabinet position. Sources credit him with playing a key role in mobilising youth support for President Museveni and helping some incumbent MPs retain their seats, partly through his association with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
Kampala and Finance
In Kampala, Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority, Minsa Kabanda, is expected to retain her Cabinet seat after defeating NUP’s David Lewis Rubongoya in the Kampala Central MP race, bucking the opposition wave in the city.
At the Ministry of Finance, State Minister Amos Lugoloobi is likely to remain in Cabinet after retaining his parliamentary seat, despite lingering reputational challenges linked to the iron sheets scandal.
Eastern Region and ICT
In the Eastern Region, former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo, now MP representing Older Persons (Eastern Region), is tipped for a Cabinet comeback. Political sources suggest he could be appointed Minister of State for ICT, potentially replacing Godfrey Kabyanga, whose political impact in opposition-leaning Kasese is said to have fallen short of expectations.
However, Joyce Ssebugwawo, the current Minister of State for ICT, is expected to retain her position. A former senior FDC figure, Ssebugwawo is said to enjoy strong political backing and an enduring working arrangement with the President.
Presidency and Energy
Sources indicate that Jessica Alupo is set to remain Vice President, a move seen as important for maintaining political stability and relations with the Teso sub-region.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa is also expected to stay in Cabinet, with insiders cautioning that replacing her at a time when Uganda is deep into oil development and extraction activities would be disruptive.
Possible Exits
David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, is expected to exit Cabinet. Although he returned as NRM Chairperson for Kabale District, Bahati lost in the NRM primaries and later defied party discipline by contesting against the official party flag bearer—an act sources say may cost him a Cabinet return.
At Internal Affairs, State Minister John Mulimba is unlikely to return after losing his parliamentary seat in Busia, with insiders saying there is limited justification for retaining him in Cabinet.
Foreign Affairs and Legal Affairs
Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo is expected to return to Cabinet, though it remains unclear whether he will retain the Foreign Affairs docket or be reassigned. Odongo has previously served as Minister of Internal Affairs.
Former Ministers Back in Parliament
Political sources also point to the likely Cabinet return of Amelia Kyambadde, former Trade Minister, and Fred Ruhindi, former Deputy Attorney General, both of whom are back in Parliament. Insiders say the President may be reluctant to leave the two as backbenchers and could assign them ministerial portfolios.
Timeline
President Museveni is expected to announce the new Cabinet between June and July 2026, following consultations within the ruling NRM and consideration of electoral, regional, and political dynamics.
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