Uganda's 'Real' Power Brokers: Beyond the Cabinet Doors

Uganda’s political landscape features a unique dynamic where official Cabinet positions may not always equate to genuine power. Recollections of late MP John Bashaija Kazoora’s insights from his memoir, “Betrayed By My Leader,” highlight President Museveni’s strategic approach to appointments, emphasizing his enduring grip on power over four decades.

While Museveni himself remains a central figure, the operationalization of his vision appears increasingly influenced by entities beyond the Cabinet. The military plays a significant role, with the Commander-in-Chief’s position giving immense sway. His brother, Gen. Salim Saleh, is often cited as a de facto second-in-command, and President Museveni’s son, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, wields considerable influence, frequently communicating policy and political stances through social media, even engaging in partisan politics which is constitutionally barred.

Gen. Kainerugaba’s influence extends to shaping political appointments, as seen with his pressure group, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), impacting the selection for Speaker of Parliament. Beyond the military sphere, foreign donors and civil society organizations also act as a parallel ‘Cabinet.’ Their substantial contributions to essential services like health, infrastructure, and agriculture in many rural areas often overshadow government initiatives, with EU projects frequently more visible than those of the Ugandan government.

Furthermore, major investors, including telecommunications giants like MTN and Airtel, alongside banks and sports betting companies, form another critical power bloc. For many Ugandans, these entities represent vital economic ecosystems. These figures and institutions constitute what could be described as Uganda’s ‘real’ ministers, operating outside the traditional governmental framework, while many Cabinet appointments, like that of an elderly minister described as ‘Born Before Computers,’ may reflect a bygone era rather than readiness for 21st-century challenges.

This analysis is based on insights from Nicholas Sengooba’s article in the Daily Monitor.