KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has renewed contracts and made fresh reappointments for 41 senior advisors and presidential assistants, the president’s office announced, solidifying his reliance on experienced members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The appointments, made under Article 172 (1)(a) of the Constitution, span key sectors including governance, mobilization, diplomacy, youth empowerment, and national development.
Among the notable reappointments are:
- Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, as Special Envoy for Special Duties in the Office of the President.
- Hajji Abdul Nadduli, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilization.
- Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs.1
- Phionah Barungi, promoted to Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties.
- Fred Tanga Odoi, to advise on upcoming NRM internal elections.
- Ephraim Kamuntu, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs.
- Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Kisuule, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle Eastern Affairs.
- Hajji Abbey Walusimbi, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs and Ambassador-at-Large (Grade 1).2
- Ali Kiiza, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Air Force.
- David Mafabi Kenneth, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs.3
- Tony Owana, as Presidential Advisor on NRA Archives.4
The full list of renewed and new appointments includes:
- Beth Maumbe Kakai Mukwana – Senior Presidential Advisor (Bugisu Region)
- Dr Betty Namukwaya – Senior Presidential Advisor (Agriculture)5
- Franco Ojur – Senior Presidential Advisor (Lango Region)
- Rachael Musoke – Senior Presidential Advisor (Wetland Restoration)
- Mary Kawuma – Senior Presidential Advisor (Political Affairs)6
- Richard Muhinda – Senior Presidential Advisor (Public Service Matters)7
- Jane Nakato Ssenoga – Senior Presidential Assistant
- Dr Dan Ssekibobo – Senior Presidential Advisor (Research, RDC’s Secretariat)8
- Robert Ssebunya – Senior Presidential Advisor (Buganda Matters)9
- Col Anthony Kykabale – Senior Presidential Advisor (Reconciliation)
- Janet Mukwaya Balunzi – Senior Presidential Advisor
- Alex Kateega Kyaye – Senior Presidential Assistant (Political Affairs)
- John Arimpa Kiyagai – Senior Presidential Advisor (Environment)
- Tom Kayongo – Presidential Assistant (Buganda Matters)
- Jesse Kagimba – Senior Presidential Advisor (HIV/AIDS)
- Francis Okello – Senior Presidential Advisor (Lango Zone)
- Samuel Byagagaire – Senior Presidential Advisor (Veterinary Services)
- Ignatius Byaruhanga – Assistant Senior Presidential Advisor (Wetland Restoration)
- (Rtd) Jacob Asiimwe – Senior Presidential Assistant (Political Affairs)
- Col. (Rtd) Ambako Kibrai – Senior Presidential Advisor (Mobilization, RDC Secretariat)
- Gertrude Njuba – Senior Presidential Advisor (Political Affairs)
- Nambuya Eunice – Special Presidential Assistant
- Nakayenga Resty Kiguli – Senior Presidential Advisor (Underprivileged Youth)10
- Nalima Betty – Special Presidential Assistant (Political Affairs)
- Margaret Nakidde Kulabako – Deputy Special Presidential Assistant (Research)
- Stephen Hippo Tweheyo – Presidential Advisor (NRA Archives)
- Patrick Zikanshagyiza – Senior Presidential Advisor (NRA Archives)
- Patrick Lutamaguzi – Private Secretary (NRA Archives)
- Dr Beatrice Wabudeya – Senior Presidential Advisor (Veterinary Services)11
- Monica Azuba Ntege – Senior Presidential Advisor
- Florence Mutyabule – Senior Presidential Advisor (Poverty Alleviation – Busoga Region)12
Ms. Gloria Omaswa Asio, Private Press Secretary to the President, said the appointments underscore the administration’s commitment to the NRM’s four core principles: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy. The move is viewed as a strategic consolidation of experienced political figures ahead of the 2026 general elections.