Shock in Amuria as Gen. Jeje Odongo, Ecweru miss Cabinet slots

________________

Residents of Orungo County in Amuria district have expressed disappointment and concern following President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to exclude former foreign affairs minister Gen. Jeje Odongo Abubaker and former transport state minister Musa Francis Ecweru from the newly announced Cabinet.

The development has effectively left Amuria district without representation in the national Cabinet, triggering debate over regional balance and political inclusion.

Local leaders and residents described the decision as surprising and potentially harmful to the district’s access to government services and influence.

Former Amuria district LC5 vice chairperson Paul Ebiru said the news had unsettled many constituents.

“This time, Orungo expected their Member of Parliament to feature prominently in Cabinet. To our surprise, this has not happened,” Ebiru said.

Richard Echodu, the LC1 chairperson of Ococia Central cell, also questioned the decision, citing Gen. Odongo’s long service and seniority in government.

“Gen. Jeje Odongo is a senior government official and an icon of the Teso sub-region. It is surprising to see him missing from the Cabinet list,” Echodu noted.

Seventy-year-old resident Norah Ayuto described the exclusion as unfair, expressing concern that Amuria may struggle to secure equitable government attention without Cabinet representation.

However, some residents, including Simon Engongu, urged calm, suggesting that the President may have strategic reasons for the appointments.

Gen. Jeje Odongo, a long-serving government figure and loyal NRM member, has previously held several ministerial positions, including foreign affairs minister. He recently contested as an independent candidate for Orungo County, where he campaigned on messages of unity and development.

Musa Francis Ecweru has also served in various ministerial roles over the years before his exclusion in the latest Cabinet reshuffle.