Politics 27 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Teso Region Reacts to Cabinet Reshuffle: Four Ministers Replaced
The Teso sub-region is experiencing mixed reactions following President Museveni's cabinet reshuffle, which saw four ministers from the area dropped. The removal of Gen. Jeje Abubaker Odongo, a long-serving political figure, has particularly surprised many residents. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mixed-reactions-in-teso-after-four-ministers-dropped-in-cabinet-reshuffle-5475200
Residents across the Teso sub-region are expressing varied sentiments after President Yoweri Museveni removed four ministers from the area in his recent cabinet appointments. The departures include Gen. Jeje Abubaker Odongo, formerly the Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr Musa Francis Ecweru, who served as State Minister for Transport and Works; Ms Hellen Adoa Abeku, the State Minister for Fisheries; and Ms Hellen Grace Asamo, the Minister of State for Disability Affairs.
The exit of Gen. Odongo has come as a significant shock to many. William Ebiacu, a teacher in Amuria District, noted Odongo’s long and varied political career, highlighting his service since 1986 as Army Commander, Defence Minister, and most recently, Foreign Affairs Minister. Despite some noting limited development impact locally, Ebiacu acknowledged Odongo’s role in protecting Teso’s interests at the national level and remembered him as a “sober and level-headed” individual.
Some observers suggest the reshuffle signals a deliberate move to replace long-serving politicians. Grace Apiding from Asamuk Sub-county believes the President might be seeking to “rest” veterans from Teso politics. She felt Musa Ecweru, despite losing his parliamentary seat, deserved another chance due to his contributions, including road improvements in Amuria, and feared these gains might not be sustained.
In Serere, the removal of Hellen Adoa has been viewed differently. Alex Okello, a resident originally from Serere, acknowledged Adoa’s service but suggested public resentment over army actions related to fisheries might have influenced her removal. Okello posited that leaving the fisheries docket could benefit Adoa’s political future, allowing her a potential comeback in future elections.