A major political chapter appears to be turning inside Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after President Yoweri Museveni appointed Jacqueline Mbabazi as Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Elderly Affairs.
The appointment marks a dramatic political comeback for Jacqueline Mbabazi and has immediately sparked intense discussion within political circles about the growing reconciliation between President Museveni and former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi.
For years, the relationship between the two powerful NRM figures was considered beyond repair following the bitter political fallout that climaxed in the 2016 presidential elections when Amama Mbabazi challenged Museveni for the country’s top seat.
The contest created one of the biggest internal divisions the ruling party had faced in years, with camps forming across the country as tensions exploded inside the NRM establishment.
Jacqueline Mbabazi disappeared from frontline politics shortly after the heated election period, alongside her husband who gradually withdrew from active political battles after the failed presidential bid.
During the tense 2016 campaign season, reports and speculation circulated claiming Jacqueline Mbabazi had suffered a serious health scare, forcing Amama Mbabazi to temporarily pause campaign activities as she reportedly sought specialized medical treatment abroad. However, allegations that she had been poisoned were never officially confirmed.
Since then, the Mbabazis largely kept a low political profile, rarely appearing in major NRM activities.
Now, her return to Cabinet is being viewed by many political observers as more than just an ordinary appointment.
Insiders within the ruling party say the move signals efforts to fully heal old wounds and strengthen unity ahead of the country’s next major political season.
The development also places fresh spotlight on the behind-the-scenes role reportedly played by First Lady Janet Museveni in mending relations between the two longtime political allies turned rivals.
With Jacqueline Mbabazi officially back in government, the big question now dominating Kampala political corridors is whether Amama Mbabazi himself could also be preparing for a full return to the NRM mainstream.