Politics 31 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kagadi District Questions Lack of Cabinet Representation Despite Strong Electoral Support
Residents and leaders in Kagadi District are expressing disappointment and confusion over the continued absence of ministerial representation following President Museveni's recent Cabinet appointments, despite consistently backing the ruling NRM party electorally. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/after-backing-museveni-kagadi-asks-why-it-remains-absent-from-cabinet-5480520
The recent unveiling of President Yoweri Museveni’s new Cabinet has reignited a long-standing grievance in Uganda’s Kagadi District. Despite delivering a significant majority of votes to the President in the last election, the district has once again been overlooked for a Cabinet position, leaving many residents and local leaders feeling disheartened and questioning their political loyalty.
Kagadi District, established in 2016, has consistently demonstrated strong support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM). In the most recent elections, President Museveni received overwhelming backing, securing 87% of the votes cast in the district. This electoral performance had fueled expectations that Kagadi would finally see one of its elected officials appointed to a ministerial role. However, the latest appointments have once again left the district without a minister, a situation that has persisted for years.
Local leaders, including religious figures like Sheikh Isingoma Muhammad, the district Kadhi, express bewilderment. “I have grown up without seeing a minister from Kagadi,” he stated, emphasizing that the district possesses capable individuals who could serve effectively. While some suggest patience, noting that the President may be observing newly elected Members of Parliament, the sentiment of neglect is palpable.
This lack of political representation is increasingly linked to perceived developmental challenges within the district. Officials highlight ongoing struggles to secure essential health facilities and the push for municipal status for Kagadi Town Council. Many residents believe that having a voice at the Cabinet table would significantly aid in accelerating these crucial development projects and securing vital government resources.
The issue has become a focal point for political discourse, with opposition figures planning protests to highlight the perceived injustice. The repeated omission, even after a strong show of electoral support, raises pertinent questions about the correlation between political loyalty, representation, and the equitable distribution of government resources and attention across Uganda.
This article is based on reporting from the Daily Monitor.