Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | On Thursday evening, President Museveni reshuffled his Cabinet, retaining most of the old members but also making some notable changes. The Cabinet now consists of 30 full cabinet Ministers and 51 State Ministers.
A significant aspect of the reshuffle is the removal of Mary Goretti Kitutu, the embattled Karamoja Affairs Minister, who faces corruption and theft charges related to missing iron sheets intended for the Karamoja region. Peter Lokeris has been appointed as her replacement.
Vicent Ssempijja, the former minister of Defense and Constitutional Affairs, has also been dropped from the cabinet and replaced by Jacob Oboth.
Additionally, events promoter Balaam Barugahara, popularly known as Balaam, has been appointed as the minister for Youth and Children’s Affairs, replacing Sarah Mateke, who now serves as the minister of state for Defense and Veteran Affairs.
Dr. Kenneth Omona, previously the private press secretary to the President, has been appointed as the state minister in charge of Northern Uganda. Furthermore, Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi has been appointed as the new minister of state for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Trade).
Speaking to this publication shortly after the President’s announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Balaam expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for appointing him as a Minister. He pledged to focus on enhancing the well-being of young people and ensuring that their rights are upheld.
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“Museveni has done great work. This appointment is a vote of confidence. All in all, I applaud Muhoozi, who saw my worth and fished for me. I will start with MK on Easter Monday in Masindi, and the Labour Day celebration will be my first assignment. I am going to be more aggressive,” excited Balaam said.
Born on July 28, 1979, at Mbarara Hospital in Mbarara District, Balaam earned a Bachelor of Commerce from Makerere University and a Master of Science from Cavendish University.
He is a staunch supporter of the first son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, serving as the vice chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) for Western Uganda. Additionally, Lilian Aber, the vice chairperson for Northern Uganda, was appointed as the minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees.
