There has been very little change in the structure and shape of the new cabinet, which was announced by President Yoweri Museveni last evening.
The new cabinet only has five new faces, namely: Kitgum District Woman MP Lillian Aber, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, Kenneth Omona, National Youth MP Phiona Nyamutoro, and Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi.
Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi – Minister for State for Youth & Children Affairs
Balaam, a renowned Muhoozi Kainerugaba loyalist who works closely with him in the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), is a businessman, music and events promoter. He is the CEO of Balaam Group of Companies, a conglomerate operating in Uganda and South Sudan. His investments mainly focus on entertainment, broadcasting, real estate, manufacturing, hotels, and resorts. He has consistently praised Museveni and his son Muhoozi.
Lilian Aber – Minister for State for Relief and Disaster Preparedness
Similar to Balaam, Aber is also a Muhoozi loyalist, often advocating for him as the next president. She is serving her first term as the Kitgum District Woman Member of Parliament. Besides holding a Master of Business Administration in Oil and Gas from Uganda Christian University and another master’s degree in Public Administration and Management from Makerere University, she also holds an honorary PhD from Zoe Life Theoretical College in the United States of America.
Dr. Kenneth Omona – State Minister for Northern Uganda Affairs
Dr. Kenneth Omona, a former Member of Parliament for Kaberamaido County, is the new State Minister for Northern Uganda Affairs. Before this appointment, he served as the Principal Private Secretary to the President. This position has now been taken by Asio Omaswa. Omona also previously served as the NRM Deputy Treasurer.
Phiona Nyamutoro – State Minister for Minerals
Nyamutoro, who is in her first term as an MP, is the new State Minister for Minerals. She holds a first-class degree in Development Studies and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Makerere University.
Nyamutoro was the Vice Guild President at Makerere University from 2015 to 2016. In parliament, she is a member of the Committee on Education and Sports.
General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi–Minister of State for Trade
Gen. Mbadi, who has been serving as the Chief of Defense Forces, the highest position in the army, is now the Minister of State for Trade. Museveni’s son, Muhoozi, is now the new army boss.
Mbadi, aged 61, was appointed to that position on June 24, 2021, replacing General David Muhoozi, who was appointed State Minister of Internal Affairs.
Before this, he served in various positions and committees, including Inspector General of UPDF and Chairman of UPDF Medals Committee, UPDF Dress Committee, Defence Forces Duty-free Shop Board of Directors, Senior Command and Staff College Control Board, Uganda National Defence College Steering Committee, MoDVA Projects Preparation Committee, and as a member of Kyoga Dynamics Board of Directors. Gen. Mbadi is also a member of the Standard Gauge Railway Board of Directors (2015–2018). He also served as the Chairman of Uganda Military Engineering College and as a member of the board of directors of the National Enterprise Corporation Limited (2013–2016).
Meanwhile, Jessica Alupo retained her job as Vice President, and Robinah Nabbanja as Prime Minister. Rebecca Kadaga and Gen Moses Ali have also retained their positions as 1st and 2nd Deputy Prime Ministers, respectively.