Former Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda has raised sharp concerns over President Yoweri Museveni’s newly announced Cabinet, questioning both its size and the dominance of close family ties within key government positions.
Speaking on the ongoing vetting of ministers following Museveni’s latest appointments, Ssemujju said the Cabinet—described as an 82-member “school-size” team—had largely been approved by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, with only First Lady and Education Minister Janet Kataaha Museveni’s approval deferred.
According to him, the Speaker of Parliament informed the committee that Janet Museveni would not appear for vetting as scheduled. Instead, her office indicated she would present herself in person at a later date, having initially requested to be vetted virtually via Zoom.
Ssemujju used the delay to intensify his criticism of what he termed a deeply interconnected ruling elite, arguing that Uganda’s governance structure is increasingly defined by family and marital ties around the presidency.
“I have read comments saying I am obsessed with Museveni. How can I not be?” he posed, before listing several senior officials he claims are linked to the President’s extended family network.
He cited Janet Museveni, her relatives, and other high-ranking officials such as Desire Muhooza, Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, Henry Tumukunde, Jim Muhwezi, Bright Rwamirama, and others, alleging that many are connected through marriage or blood relations within the broader presidential circle.
Ssemujju further pointed to what he described as the growing influence of President Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who serves as Chief of Defence Forces, and his brother Salim Saleh, arguing that their roles reflect a concentration of power within the First Family.
He warned that such patterns, in his view, risk normalising dynastic governance in Uganda’s political system.
“As Ugandans, we must collectively be concerned about this state of affairs,” he said, adding that sustained public attention could be necessary to trigger accountability and institutional change.
The remarks come at a time when Uganda is finalising its new Cabinet structure following Museveni’s recent reshuffle, which has drawn both praise from supporters and criticism from opposition figures questioning inclusivity and merit in public appointments.