Parliament approves increase in number of ministers
Kassanda North Patrick Nsamba Oshabe (National Unity Platform - NUP) opposed the motion, saying government had previously introduced a rationalisation programme aimed at reducing public expenditure and duplication of roles.
Nabbanja asked Parliament to vary the constitutional cap on the number of ministers to address Uganda’s growing socio-economic needs and expanding population. (Credit: Maria Wamala)
KAMPALA - Parliament has approved a request by President Yoweri Museveni to increase the number of Cabinet ministers and state ministers beyond the limit provided for under the Constitution.
The motion was moved on Thursday, May 28, 2026, by the new Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, who asked Parliament to vary the constitutional cap on the number of ministers to address Uganda’s growing socio-economic needs and expanding population.
Nabbanja said the increase from 42 to 82 ministers was necessary to strengthen service delivery and support government programmes across the country. The new structure will comprise 31 Cabinet ministers and 51 state ministers.
Seconding the motion, Kyaka South County Member of Parliament (MP) Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi (National Resistance Movement) said the Constitution allows Parliament to approve an increase in the number of ministers where necessary.
Kafuuzi said Articles 113 and 114 of the Constitution provide for 21 Cabinet ministers and 21 state ministers.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth. (Credit: Maria Wamala)
"But permit Parliament to vary the numbers through approval. There is a legal principle of variation that allows Parliament to make reasonable adjustments where necessary. Each Parliament must approve a new variation because previous approvals lapse with the life of that Parliament,” Kafuuzi said.
He said Parliament has approved similar variations since the Sixth Parliament to respond to the country’s changing governance demands and population growth. “The approval is consistent with the Constitution and established parliamentary practice,” Kafuuzi said.
He argued that Uganda’s decentralised governance structure requires flexibility in the size of the Executive to meet evolving national needs.
Article 113 of the Constitution provides that Cabinet ministers are appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament from among MPs or persons qualified to be elected as MPs.
The Constitution states that the number of Cabinet ministers shall not exceed 21 except with the approval of Parliament.
Article 114 provides for the appointment of other ministers to assist Cabinet ministers in the performance of government functions, with the number likewise capped at 21 unless Parliament approves an increase.
Nabbanja said the increase from 42 to 82 ministers was necessary to strengthen service delivery and support government programmes across the country. (Credit: Maria Wamala)
Kassanda North Patrick Nsamba Oshabe (National Unity Platform - NUP) opposed the motion, saying government had previously introduced a rationalisation programme aimed at reducing public expenditure and duplication of roles.
Nsamba said increasing the number of ministers contradicted the principles behind rationalisation.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze (NUP) said technological advancement and improved communication systems should reduce the need for a larger number of ministers.
Nambooze argued that government should focus on efficiency and prudent use of public resources rather than expanding the size of the Executive.