A cloud of uncertainty hung over State House Entebbe on Monday as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the swearing-in of his new Cabinet.
The ceremony was expected to mark a clean start for the government’s new term. Instead, attention quickly shifted to the ministers who never showed up.
As newly appointed ministers lined up to take their oaths, four ministerial nominees were notably absent from the historic event, immediately sparking questions among political observers and government insiders. Reports indicate the missing officials are among those whose citizenship status has recently come under scrutiny.
The development follows concerns raised during the vetting process, where questions emerged regarding foreign citizenship and renunciation procedures involving some of the nominees. Government sources cited by local media indicated that unresolved citizenship issues may have affected their eligibility to proceed with the swearing-in.
Despite the drama, the majority of the new Cabinet successfully took office and are expected to begin implementing the government’s agenda immediately. President Museveni used the occasion to emphasize performance, service delivery, and efficient decision-making as Uganda enters a new political term.
The missing ministers have now become the biggest talking point in Kampala’s political corridors.
Will they eventually take the oath?
Will replacements be appointed?
Or could the citizenship controversy trigger an even bigger shake-up inside government?
For now, State House has its new Cabinet—but the story of the missing ministers is far from over.