Uganda’s political center is no longer dominated by the old guard alone
By our report
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled a sweeping cabinet reshuffle that reshapes the political landscape across Northern Uganda—particularly in the sub-regions of Acholi, Lango, and West Nile.
While the top leadership remains unchanged—with Jessica Rose Epel Alupo and Robinah Nabbanja retaining their posts as vice and prime minister, respectively—the deeper story lies in how regional influence has been recalibrated.
End of an Era, Start of Transition
The most symbolic shift comes from West Nile.
Veteran statesman Moses Ali, long considered a pillar of the region’s political presence, has been dropped as 2nd Deputy Prime Minister. His exit marks the fading influence of liberation-era leaders.
He is replaced by Crispus Kiyonga, who now assumes the role of 2nd Deputy Prime Minister—signaling both generational and strategic change.
Minister Anita Everlyn has been removed from her position as Minister of State for Privatisation and Investment. She is now among those appointed as incoming presidential advisors.
West Nile, however, retains representation through technocratic leadership. Charles Ayume has been appointed Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care, bringing a regional focus to grassroots health service delivery.
Strategic Reassignments and Continued Presence
Acholi sub-region continues to hold strategic positions in government. Norbert Mao remains Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, while Hilary Onek stays influential in the Office of the Prime Minister.
The reshuffle reflects repositioning rather than removal.
Engineer Hilary Onek, previously in charge of the Disaster Preparedness ministry, has been reassigned as Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of General Duties. The move effectively restructures the disaster ministry while keeping him within central government coordination.
However, Aber Lillian retained her position as minister of state in the Office of the Prime (Relief, Disaster Preparedness & Refugees).
A major reshuffle involves Beatrice Akello Akori. She has been moved from Minister in the Office of the President, in charge of Economic Monitoring, to Minister in charge of Northern Uganda—placing her at the centre of regional recovery and development policy. She replaced Dr. Kenneth Omona, who has been appointed ambassador.
Her former docket is now held by Sandra Santa Alum, marking the rise of a newer political figure.
Meanwhile, Beatrice Anywar continues to feature within cabinet ranks, ensuring Acholi maintains visibility at the national level. She also retained her position as minister of state for Water and Environment [Environment]
However, the broader northern political shift is underscored by the earlier dropping of long-serving figures such as Okello Henry Oryem, who was the longest-serving minister of state for foreign Affairs [international affairs], whose absence signals the end of a long diplomatic chapter linked to the region.
Major Losses but Emerging New Voices
Lango experienced one of the most significant shake-ups.
Long-serving Gender Minister Betty Amongi has been dropped. She is replaced by Henry Tumukunde, a move that dramatically shifts political dynamics in the sector.
In the health docket, Jane Ruth Aceng has been replaced by Chris Baryomunsi, removing Lango’s long-standing grip on the ministry.
Despite these losses, Lango sees the rise of new leadership:
Dr. Mercy Faith Laki (Alebtong District Woman MP) has been appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Youth Affairs
Joyce Acan Okeny (representing Persons with Disabilities in Northern Uganda) also joins the cabinet
While Sam Engola has been appointed minister, Office of the Prime Minister (Relief, Disaster Preparedness & Refugees).
These appointments suggest a deliberate effort to elevate younger and special-interest representatives from the sub-region.
Other Key Changes Across Government
Beyond Northern Uganda, several notable shifts define the reshuffle:
Kenneth Omona has been transferred to the diplomatic service
Mathias Kasija has been dropped
Veteran figures continue to be phased out across sectors
At the same time, surprise entrants such as Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere signal the President’s continued reliance on loyal mobilisers and emerging political actors.
The new cabinet reflects a deliberate strategy by President Museveni:
Phasing out long-serving veterans
Reassigning experienced leaders rather than discarding them entirely
Introducing new and loyal political actors
Maintaining regional balance while redistributing influence
For Acholi, Lango, and West Nile, the message is clear: representation remains intact—but power is shifting to a new generation.
Uganda’s political center is no longer dominated by the old guard alone. A transition is underway—carefully controlled, regionally balanced, and politically calculated.
