Following the release of the 2026-2031 Ugandan cabinet list by President Museveni, his son who serves as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly aired his frustration over the exclusion of his close political allies.
A central point of contention is the dropping of veteran politician Henry Okello Oryem, who had served as the State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs) since 2004.
Adonia Ayebare who has been serving as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2017 was named by Mr Museveni to replace Mr Oryem. Muhoozi-who has historically referred to Oryem as an “elder brother” dating back to their childhood days in exile-took to X in the wee hours of Thursday morning to declare that anyone undermining his allies’ appointments is actively fighting their political movement.
The snub extends to wider members of Muhoozi’s political pressure group, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). While the PLU expected to secure a substantial layout of senior government seats in the wake of the 2026 election cycle, the new parliamentary agenda shows a distinct shift, prompting the CDF to openly label the architects of the new cabinet lineup as “enemies.”
“I didn’t see my big brother Okello Oryem in the cabinet? Surely can that be possible? Whoever is fighting us in these appointments is an enemy,” Gen Muhoozi posted.
Following the Cabinet announcement, the 12th Parliament has scheduled its 2nd sitting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, explicitly to move motions seeking parliamentary approval for the appointments of the Vice-President, Prime Minister, and to vary the number of Cabinet Ministers to accommodate the new lineup.
Political commentators say Gen Muhoozi’s public outburst underscores an escalating behind-the-scenes power struggle between the traditional establishment and his PLU faction over influence in the new government.