Muhoozi's Cabinet Snub: Parliament to Debate Minister Numbers Amidst Political Rift

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces, has publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the recently announced 2026–2031 cabinet. His strong reaction stems from the exclusion of several political allies, most notably veteran politician Henry Okello Oryem, who had served as the State Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2004.

Muhoozi took to social media platform X to express his dismay, stating that any individual hindering the appointments of his allies is actively working against their political movement. He referred to Oryem as an “elder brother” and questioned his absence from the cabinet, labeling those responsible for the “snub” as “enemies.”

The disappointment appears to extend to members of Muhoozi’s political group, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). The PLU had anticipated a significant presence in the new government following the recent election cycle, but the current cabinet lineup suggests a different direction, fueling Muhoozi’s strong critique.

In light of the cabinet reshuffling, the Ugandan Parliament has scheduled a special session for Thursday, May 28, 2026. The primary agenda for this sitting includes seeking parliamentary approval for the appointments of the Vice President and Prime Minister, as well as debating a motion to adjust the total number of Cabinet Ministers to fit the president’s choices.

Political analysts suggest that General Muhoozi’s public outburst highlights an intensifying power struggle within the ruling establishment. This internal conflict is seen as a division between traditional political factions and Muhoozi’s increasingly influential PLU faction, each vying for greater control and representation in the government.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/parliament-to-discuss-varying-number-of-ministers-as-muhoozi-slams-cabinet-appointments-5476296