Last Month, the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, renewed trust in several seasoned individuals, reaffirming their roles as senior advisors under his government.
The move was made per Article 172 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which empowers the President to appoint individuals to serve in various advisory capacities.
Among those reappointed was the respected former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda.
He was once again entrusted with the role of Special Envoy for Special Duties in the President’s Office, a reaffirmation of the enduring confidence President Museveni places in his counsel and experience.
Also retained was Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, a prominent figure in the diaspora engagement space.
He continued as Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs and Ambassador at Large (Grade 1).
Ambassador Walusimbi, who also chairs the NRM Diaspora League, has played a key role in the regulation of the labour externalization sector, spearheaded efforts to repatriate over 200 distressed Ugandan migrant workers, and engaged global partners to create opportunities for skilled Ugandan youth.
In the political realm, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, the head of the Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC), was reappointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs.
Known for her dynamic leadership and grassroots mobilisation, Hajjat Namyalo has strengthened the party’s engagement with the youth, particularly under the ‘Bazzukulu ba Museveni’, Jajja Tova Ku Main’, and ‘Settle For The Best – Museveni Is The Best’ Slogans.
She has also played a pivotal role in rebranding the NRM’s image in opposition-dominated areas.
Phionah Barungi, formerly a Senior Presidential Assistant, was elevated to Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, in recognition of her efforts in the fight against land grabbing, a persistent and pressing issue affecting citizens.
Notably, Professor Fred Tanga Odoi, a former Makerere University don, was reappointed as Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission, a position that places him at the heart of the party’s internal election processes.
Other key appointments included:
Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs.
Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Kisuule, former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East Affairs.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kiiza Ali, former chief pilot and long-serving Air Force officer, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Air Force Affairs.
David Kenneth Mafabi, one of the President’s longest-serving advisors, was retained as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, continuing his work on African integration and governance outreach.
Hajji Abdul Nadduli, former Minister Without Portfolio, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilisation.
Tony Owana, long-time journalist and historical archivist, was appointed as the Presidential Advisor on NRA Archives.
Richard Muhinda, former State House Comptroller, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Service Matters.
Ssebunya Robert, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Buganda Matters, continues his advocacy for cultural preservation.
Lt. Col. Anthony Kyakabale, a former exile turned ruling party mobiliser, was appointed as Senior Presidential Advisor on Reconciliation.
John Arimpa Kigyagi, a climate advocate, was retained as Senior Presidential Advisor on Environment.
Additional appointments featured a mix of political veterans and technical experts, including:
Florence Mutyabule, retained as Senior Presidential Advisor on Poverty Alleviation (Busoga Sub-region).
Monica Azuba Ntege, former Works Minister, as Senior Presidential Advisor.
Dr. Beatrice Wabudeya, former Minister for the Presidency, was appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Veterinary Services.
Nakayenga Resty Kiguli, promoted to Senior Presidential Advisor for Underprivileged Youth.
Gertrude Njuba Norah, a bush war veteran, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs/Lands.
Brig. Jacob Asiimwe, as Senior Presidential Assistant on Political Affairs.
Lt. Col. Ambako Kibrai, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Mobilisation (RDC Secretariat).
Dr. Ssekiboobo Dan, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Research (RDC Secretariat).
Kawuma Mary, retained as Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs.
Okello Opio Francis, as Senior Presidential Advisor (Lango Zone).
Luttamaguzi Patrick, as Private Secretary (NRA Archives).
The appointments show President Museveni’s continued reliance on trusted, experienced individuals to deliver on the four core principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM): Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy.
