Journalist Simon Kaggwa Njala has stirred political debate after questioning President Yoweri Museveni’s latest Cabinet appointments, suggesting the final list may have deviated from an earlier intended lineup.
Speaking shortly after the announcement of the 2026 Cabinet, Njala argued that the composition reflects unpredictability in State House decision-making and raises fresh questions about the selection criteria.
“You can clearly tell that there was another cabinet list that was meant to be released. But as usual Museveni wanted to prove to all and sundry how unpredictable he is. The picks on this list all beg questions,” Njala said.
President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, unveiled a Cabinet comprising 32 Cabinet ministers and 50 Ministers of State, with Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja retaining their positions.
Parliament later endorsed adjustments to the structure, effectively regularising the expanded executive team.
Among the senior figures retained or appointed are Rebecca Kadaga as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Dr Crispus Kiyonga as Second Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Chris Baryomunsi in Health, Norbert Mao in Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and Balaam Barugahara in Local Government.
The list, however, immediately triggered political scrutiny following a reshuffle involving the Government Chief Whip position.
Justine Kasule Lumumba, who was initially named, was later moved to the ICT and National Guidance docket, with Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng taking over the whip role in Parliament.
The change followed questions over parliamentary eligibility requirements for the position.
Another controversy emerged around the appointment of Dr Lawrence Muganga as Minister of State for Internal Affairs, which was challenged on grounds of dual citizenship restrictions under Uganda’s nationality laws.
A petition urged Parliament to suspend his vetting until his citizenship status is clarified.
Njala’s remarks have added to growing commentary around the Cabinet’s composition, with analysts also pointing to the inclusion of long-serving political figures and the continued dominance of senior NRM-linked politicians.
Others have highlighted the absence of some previously influential figures, framing the reshuffle as part of Museveni’s broader balancing act within ruling-party dynamics.
While State House has defended the appointments as aligned with administrative efficiency and political stability, critics argue the changes reflect internal negotiations rather than a clear technocratic selection process.