ENTEBBE, Uganda
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the swearing-in of Uganda’s new Cabinet and Ministers of State at State House Entebbe, formally ushering in the executive team that will serve during the 2026–2031 term.
A total of 78 Cabinet and State ministers took the Oath of Allegiance and the Ministerial Oath, officially assuming their responsibilities in the new government. Among those sworn in were Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and several newly appointed ministers across key government portfolios.
However, the ceremony was marked by the absence of five ministers-designate, who did not take the oath alongside their colleagues.
Among the absentees was Janet Kataaha Museveni, who was reappointed as Minister of Education and Sports. The First Lady did not appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting and, as a result, was not part of the swearing-in ceremony.
No official explanation had been provided by the time of the ceremony regarding her absence from the vetting process.
The other four ministers-designate who missed the ceremony are:
- Adonia Ayebare – Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs
- Dr. Lawrence Muganga – Minister-designate for Internal Affairs
- Shartsi Kutesa Musherure – State Minister-designate for Microfinance
- David Calvin Echodu – State Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs)
According to reports, the four were unable to take the oath pending the completion of legal reviews related to their citizenship status.
Ugandan law permits dual citizenship under certain conditions, but public officials seeking appointment to some constitutional and political offices are required to meet specific legal requirements.
The ongoing reviews are expected to determine their eligibility to formally assume office.
Among the four, Dr. Lawrence Muganga’s nomination attracted particular public interest.
During his vetting, questions were raised regarding his citizenship status. Muganga maintained that he is a Ugandan by birth and denied claims that he holds Rwandan citizenship.
However, concerns relating to his previous Canadian citizenship and compliance with legal requirements for public office reportedly led to delays in the approval process.
The swearing-in ceremony marked the final phase of a process that began when President Museveni unveiled his new Cabinet on May 26, 2026. Parliament’s Appointments Committee subsequently vetted ministerial nominees before approving the majority to take office.
The event also drew attention from the public and media, with musician Eddy Kenzo attending to support his wife, Phiona Nyamutoro, who was sworn in as State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals).
Addressing the newly sworn-in ministers, President Museveni urged them to serve Ugandans with commitment, discipline, and integrity as the government embarks on its agenda for the next five years.
The ministers are expected to immediately begin implementing government programmes aimed at economic transformation, service delivery, infrastructure development, and job creation.
Also Read: Police Warn School Administrators Against Eating Candidate’s Registration Fees
