Museveni names Cabinet

President Museveni last night dropped about 25 ministers, in Cabinet whose biggest surprise was probably the appointment of Radio One Managing Director – Maria Kiwanuka as the new Finance Minister.

Ms Kiwanuka, who hold a master of business administration for the London Business School and worked at the World Bank as a financial economist has not been in active politics.

30 new faces
In other new faces, Abraham Byandala is new minister for Works, bringing to an end, Eng. John Nasasira’s 15-year stint in the roads sector; Peter Nyombi was appointed Attorney General, Irene Muloni is Minister of Energy, Amelia Kyambadde is minister of trade and industry, Adroa Christine is minister of health while Mary Karooro Okurut is the new minister of information and national guidance.

Former Kampala Mayor Nasser Ntegge Ssebaggala, who only crossed to the ruling NRM last year has been appointed to cabinet as minister without portfolio.

In other surprises Mr Henry Banyenzaki, known in the previous parliament as one if the ruling NRM ‘rebel’ MPs for taking a critical stand against government policies has been appointed a state minister for economic monitoring in the office of the president.

Among other new state minister faces also include Namayanja Rose (Luweero Triangle), Saleh Kamba (Bunyoro Affairs), Rebecca Otengo (Northern Uganda), Nyiira Mijumbi (Agriculture), John Chrysostom Muyingo (Higher Education), Mbabali Muyanja (Investment), Caroline Amali (Microfinance), Sam Engola (Housing) James Mutende (Industry), Agnes Akiror (Tourism) and Alex Onzima (Local government).

25 dropped
Former third deputy Prime Minister and Minister of internal Affairs Kirunda Kivejinja led the list of those exiting Cabinet with Hope Mwesigye (Agriculture), Aggrey Awori (ICT), Omara Atubo (lands), Namirembe Bitamazire (Education), Janat Mukwaya (General Duties), Gabriel Opio (Labour) and Tarsis Kabwegyere (Relief) among others, all dropped, having failed to retain their parliamentary seats.

Seven Minister retained their Cabinet portfolios, with the First lady Janat Museveni retaining her Karamoja portfolio, which has been elevated to a full cabinet ministry.

Eng. Nasasira leads the list of those retained but moved to less influential dockets. The former works minister, has been named Government Chief Whip.

Others shuffled include former AG Prof. Khidhu Makubuya who has been appointed minister for general duties in the office of the PM. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has been moved from the ministry of trade to ministry of justice while Stephen Malinga has been moved from health to relief and disaster.

Lt. Gen. Moses Alin lead those who are making a comeback to cabinet – after he was named 2nd deputy premier and deputy leader of government Business, Muruli Mukasa was named minister for security Ruhakana Rugunda was named new minister for ICT while Tress Bucanayandi is minister for Agriculture.

Alupo Christine, formerly a state minister for children affairs was promoted to full Cabinet Minister for Education and Sports.