By THE OBSERVER UG
President Museveni reshuffled his cabinet on Thursday evening, retaining most of his old cabinet while also making some notable appointments. The cabinet now comprises 30 full cabinet ministers and 51 state ministers.
The focal point of the reshuffle is the removal of the embattled Karamoja Affairs minister, Mary Goretti Kitutu, who faces corruption and theft charges related to missing iron sheets intended for the Karamoja region. Kitutu has been succeeded by Peter Lokeris.
Museveni also replaced Vincent Ssempijja, the former minister of Defense and Constitutional Affairs, with Jacob Oboth. Additionally, he appointed events promoter Balaam Barugahara as the minister for Youth and Children’s Affairs, replacing Sarah Mateke, who has been reassigned as the minister of state for Defense and Veteran Affairs.
Dr. Kenneth Omona, formerly the private press secretary to the President, has been appointed state minister in charge of Northern Uganda, while Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi has been appointed the new minister of state for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives.
Speaking to The Observer shortly after the president’s announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Balaam applauded Museveni for appointing him minister and pledged to work towards improving the lives of young people and ensuring their rights are respected.
“Museveni has done great work. This appointment is a vote of confidence. All in all, I applaud Muhoozi, who saw my worth and recruited me. I will commence with MK on Easter Monday in Masindi, and the Labour Day celebration will be my first assignment. I am going to be more proactive,” he said.
Born on July 28, 1979, at Mbarara Hospital in Mbarara District, Balaam holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Makerere University and a Master of Science from Cavendish University. He is an ardent supporter of the first son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Balaam serves as the PLU vice chairman for Western Uganda. Lilian Aber, who is also the vice chairperson for Northern Uganda, was appointed minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees.
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