Politics 28 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
West Nile Leaders Express Disappointment Over Lack of Cabinet Minister in New Appointments
Leaders and residents of the West Nile sub-region are voicing concerns over the absence of a full Cabinet Minister in the latest government appointments, feeling it signifies underrepresentation despite having several State Ministers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/west-nile-leaders-decry-lack-of-cabinet-minister-in-new-appointments-5476154
The West Nile sub-region is once again expressing its disappointment following the recent government reshuffle, as leaders lament the lack of a full Cabinet Minister representing their area. While several individuals have been appointed to State Minister positions, there is a strong sentiment that these roles do not carry the same weight or influence as a Cabinet position, particularly concerning budget allocation and high-level policy decisions.
“They are file carriers because they do not control any vote or even attend cabinet meetings where key decisions are made,” stated former Arua Municipality MP Kassiano Wadri, highlighting the perceived limitations of State Minister roles.
For many years, the region’s representation at the Cabinet level was primarily embodied by Gen. Moses Ali. His recent exclusion from the Cabinet has intensified concerns about West Nile’s voice at the highest echelons of power. Dr. William Anzo, a lecturer at Muni University, argued that the appointment of six State Ministers does not adequately address the issue of underrepresentation for a population of 3.7 million people, especially when compared to other regions with smaller populations that command multiple full ministers.
“That is not representation; it is tokenism dressed in appointment letters,” Dr. Anzo remarked, emphasizing the perceived marginalization.
Historical precedent shows that West Nile has held Cabinet positions in the past, with individuals like the late Francis Ayume and Dr. Eric Adriko serving between 1995 and 2001. During the recent election campaigns, West Nile leaders had specifically requested Cabinet, ambassadorial, and permanent secretary appointments, along with a dedicated Ministry for West Nile Affairs, akin to the one for Karamoja.
While President Museveni had previously indicated a willingness to discuss regional status, the latest appointments have brought mixed reactions. The dropped ministers include Evelyn Anite, Gen. Moses Ali, Mario Obiga Kania, and Dr. Joyce Moriku. The new appointees include Hudson Oleru, Tom Aza, Dr. Charles Ayume, Yorke Alioni Odria, Siraji Musa Ali, and Phiona Nyamutoro. Despite welcoming the new State Ministers, figures like Moses Akuma Odims, Executive Secretary of the West Nile Development Association, stressed the importance of a Cabinet Minister for direct influence on policy and resource allocation.