Politics 28 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Busoga's Cabinet: Women's Dominance Grows as Male Representation Declines
President Museveni's recent cabinet reshuffle has seen Busoga's ministerial representation decrease to five slots, all of which are now held by women. Two male ministers were dropped following electoral losses. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/busoga-s-cabinet-shift-women-hold-the-line-as-male-slots-shrink-5477406
In a significant shift within Uganda’s national government, the sub-region of Busoga now sees its cabinet representation dominated entirely by women. The latest reshuffle by President Yoweri Museveni reduced Busoga’s ministerial quota from seven to five positions. Notably, all five retained ministers are women, while two male ministers were excluded following unsuccessful electoral bids.
The retained ministers include Rebecca Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, and Lukia Nakadama, Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio. Other key positions held by women from Busoga are Milly Babalanda as Minister for the Presidency, Persis Namuganza as State Minister for Housing, and Justine Kasule Lumumba overseeing the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
This development continues a long-standing trend in Busoga’s representation, where prominent national political figures over the past three decades have predominantly been women, including former Vice President Specioza Wandera Kazibwe. The departure of former State Minister for Cooperatives Fredrick Ngobi Gume and former State Minister for Agriculture Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, both of whom faced electoral challenges, underscores the shrinking space for male representation from the region.
Analysts suggest that President Museveni’s appointments often favor loyalty, visibility, and consistent alignment with the ruling party. Some believe that women from Busoga have consistently demonstrated these qualities. Others point to the impact of affirmative action policies and the NRM’s commitment to women’s advancement, which have paved the way for women to assume significant leadership roles. Despite the increased prominence of Busoga’s female leaders, some within the region express disappointment over the overall reduction in cabinet slots, arguing that the sub-region’s electoral support for the President merited greater representation.