Uganda’s ministers-designate face parliamentary vetting

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Ministers-designate appointed by President Yoweri Museveni are set to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting starting Monday, June 1, 2026.

The ministers were named by the President mid-last week and are expected to interface with the committee chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth and deputised by the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa.

The Appointments Committee was constituted during the plenary sitting of Thursday, May 28, 2026, the second sitting of the 12th Parliament.

Among the members of the committee is the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, alongside legislators drawn from different political parties.

Ahead of the vetting exercise, Parliament approved an increase in the number of cabinet ministers and ministers of state to 30 and 51, respectively, in line with Articles 113(2) and 114(3) of the Constitution. This increases the total number of ministers from 42 to 81.

Under the Constitution, Parliamentary approval is required to increase the number of cabinet ministers and other ministers beyond the statutory limit of 21 officials in each category.

The approval followed a motion moved by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who together with Vice-President Jessica Alupo, had earlier been approved by the House for their respective positions.

“For the efficient running of the State, the President has determined that there is a need to increase the total number of full Cabinet Ministers from 21 to 30, and the total number of state ministers from 21 to 51,” Nabbanja said.

She argued that population growth and expanding government programmes had created new governance demands requiring more ministerial oversight.

“Flagship programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga initiative and climate resilience strategies require dedicated ministerial oversight to ensure effective implementation. Specialised portfolios are needed to coordinate cross-cutting programmes, monitor government performance and guarantee accountability at grassroots level. Under service delivery and efficiency, more ministers allow specialisation, clear mandates and stronger oversight,” Nabbanja added.

Nabbanja defended the proposal, saying the number of ministers being proposed reflects the existing ministerial structure.

“The number of ministers and ministers of state that have been carrying out duties is the same number we have brought. The rationalisation process was carried out because there was duplication of work in departments and agencies associated with different ministries,” she said.

The motion was seconded by Kyaka South County MP Jackson Kafuuzi, the Deputy Attorney General-designate. Kafuuzi said Parliamentary approval acts as a safeguard against arbitrary expansion of Cabinet.

“The framers of the Constitution anticipated evolving governance needs and deliberately vested Parliament with the authority to approve the adjustments. This is not a departure from the law, but its faithful application,” Kafuuzi said.

Some opposition MPs, however, opposed the proposal and asked Parliament to maintain the constitutional limits.

“If there is any governance gap that has been created, it can be fixed by the local leaders. I want to appeal to colleagues that for the first time in the history of this country, let us stay this motion and try out the number of ministers as given in the Constitution,” said Betty Nambooze (NUP, Mukono Municipality).

Paul Mwiru, the Chief Opposition Whip, said reducing the number of ministers would free more resources for service delivery. “The framers of the Constitution defined these numbers and the government has not moved to amend these provisions. Actually, when we reduce their number, it is in their interest that we are finding more money for service delivery. Let us maintain the numbers as they are in the Constitution and we see how it works out,” Mwiru said.

Kassanda County North MP Patrick Nsamba referred to the recent rationalisation of government agencies and urged the government to reduce the number of ministers in the same spirit.

Parliament is expected to constitute the remaining 30 standing and sectoral committees in the coming days.

Other members of the appointments committee

NRM Members

1.     Catherine Akumu Mavenjina (NRM, Older Persons Representative, Northern Region)

2.     Jane Avur Pacuto (NRM, Pakwach District Woman Representative)

3.     Betty Awor Engola (NRM, Apac District Woman Representative

4.     Annet Birungi (NRM, Workers Representative)

5.     Sam Byibesho (NRM, Kisoro Municipality)

6.     Elma Challa Kapel (NRM, Youth Representative, Northern Region)

7.     Steven Gashaija Shyaka (NRM, Entebbe Municipality)

8.     Ruth Katushabe (NRM, Bukomansimbi District Woman Representative)

9.     Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo (NRM, Luuka South County)

10.     Sowedi Kitanywa (NRM, Busongora County North)

11.     Keefa Kiwanuka (NRM, Kiboga East County)

12.     Christine Lanyero Awany (NRM, Nwoya District Woman Representative)

13.     Irene Linda (NRM, Fort Portal City Woman Representative)

14.     Asha Mafabi Nabulo (NRM, Sironko District Woman Representative)

15.     Judith Nagujja (NRM, Buvuma District Woman Representative)

16.     Faith Nakut Loru (NRM, Napak District Woman Representative)

17.     Alex Ndeezi (NRM, Persons With Disabilities Representative, Central Region)

18.     Madina Ntale Nsereko (NRM, Kawempe Division South MP, Kampala)

19.     Johnson Nyeko Kezekiya (NRM, Lamwo County)

20.     Simon Peter Opolot-Okwalinga (NRM, Kanyum County)

21.     Beatrice Rwakimari (NRM, Ruhaama County)

22.     Robina Rwakojo Gureme (NRM, Gomba West County)

23.     Genensio Tumuramye (NRM, Kashongi County)

24.     Fadil Twalla (NRM, Tingey County)

Opposition Members 

1.     Betty Aol Ocan (PFF, Gulu City Woman Representative)

2.     Lucy Akello (FDC, Amuru District Woman Representative)

3.     Peter Okot (DP, Tochi County)

4.     Otuko Apio Eunice (UPC, Oyam County North)

5.     Joel Ssenyonyi Besekezi (NUP, Nakawa Division West)

6.     Paul Mwiru (NUP, Jinja South Division East)

7.     Sheilah Draville Amaniyo (NUP, Mukono District Woman Representative)

8.     Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu County West)

9.     Ismail Kasule (ANT, Hoima West Division, Hoima)

Independent Members

1.      Esther Acom (Independent, Serere District Woman Representative)

2.     Angella Akoth Nzokire (Independent, Tororo District Woman Representative)

3.     Herbert Kinobere (Independent, Kibuku County)

4.     Emmanuel Ongiertho Jor (Independent, Nebbi Municipality)