The newly-elected First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, has missed the swearing-in ceremony today (June 21) at Kololo ceremonial grounds.

Kadaga was supposed to take her oath after the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, took hers. 

Due to COVID-19, Kadaga did not personally appear before the parliamentary appointments committee, but via zoom.

However, it is not clear whether Kadaga missed the swearing-in ceremony again due to COVID-19.

On June 8, President Yoweri Museveni released a list of new cabinet ministers. The President has today accompanied his wife, Janet Museveni, who swore in as the education and sports minister.

The newly-elected Minister for Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, also missed the swearing-in ceremony after she went into self-isolation resulting from her interaction with a COVID-19 patient.

According to a statement by Faruk Kirunda, a press officer at State House, the minister is under quarantine after she came into contact with a COVID-19 patient, and she will take her oath after doctors have cleared her.

“Accordingly, she will be in isolation for some period as advised by the doctors. This means that she cannot take the oath of office today Monday, June 21, 2021,” Kirunda stated.

The new cabinet

In the new cabinet, President Museveni appointed Maj. (rtd) Jessica Alupo as the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda.

The 47-year-old Serere woman Member of Parliament replaced Edward Sekandi as the vice president. 

The President also appointed Nabbanja to replace Dr Ruhakana Rugunda as the Prime Minister. 

The 51-year-old Kakumiro Woman Member of Parliament was the state minister of health in charge of general duties in the previous cabinet.

“I hereby inform the country that by virtue of the authority given to the President of Uganda by articles 108 (2), 108A(1), 113(1) and 114(1) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, I hereby appoint the vice President, Prime Minister, Honourble cabinet ministers and other ministers,” Museveni stated.

Kadaga, who was defeated by Jacob Oulanyah for the post of speaker of parliament, was appointed as the first deputy prime minister and minister for East African Community Affairs.

Gen. Moses Ali is the second deputy premier while Lukia Nakadama is third deputy premier and minister without Portfolio. 

Thomas Tayebwa, who pulled out of the deputy speakership race for Anita Among, has been named government chief whip.

Renowned city lawyer, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, was named the Attorney General, while former NTV journalist Agnes Nandutu is now the state minister for Karamoja affairs in the office of the Prime Minister.

The justice and constitutional affairs ministerial position remain vacant, while Jacob Oboth Oboth was appointed the defence state minister. 

Huda Oleru is the defence state minister in charge of veteran affairs. 

Former parliamentary budget committee chairperson, Amos Lugolobi, is the new state minister for finance in charge of economic planning.

The first lady, Janet Museveni, retained her post as the education minister just like Matia Kasaija, who was retained as the finance minister, and Ruth Aceng, as the health minister.

Also, Gen. Katumba Wamala retained his position as works and transport minister just like Raphael Magyezi who retained his position as the local government minister.

Former East African Community Affairs minister, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, is now the Internal Affairs minister, while former ICT and national guidance minister, Judith Nabakooba, is now the minister of lands, housing and urban development. 

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi takes over as the ICT and national guidance minister.

Frank Tumwebaze, who was the gender minister, replaced Vincent Sempijja as the agriculture minister. 

Ssempijja is now the minister of defence and veteran affairs, while Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi has bounced back as the security minister, replacing Gen. Elly Tumwine.