Muhoozi Reveals Why Kabanda And Others Were Not Appointed Ministers

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and First Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with parts of President Yoweri Museveni’s newly unveiled cabinet lineup, claiming that some appointments may have been influenced by individuals targeting figures linked to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).

In a series of strongly worded statements released shortly after the announcement of the new cabinet, Muhoozi questioned the exclusion of long-serving diplomat and former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem, while also launching fresh attacks against Kinkizi East MP Dr Chris Baryomunsi, who was reappointed and transferred to the Ministry of Health.

The comments have exposed growing tensions within sections of the ruling establishment following one of the most significant cabinet reshuffles in recent years.

Muhoozi appeared particularly disturbed by the omission of Okello Oryem from the new government lineup, suggesting that forces hostile to PLU supporters may have influenced the appointment process.

“I didn’t see my big brother Okello Oryem in the cabinet? Surely can that be possible? Whoever is fighting us in these appointments is an enemy,” Muhoozi noted.

The Chief of Defence Forces, however, welcomed the appointment of Kiryowa Kiwanuka as the new Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs. Kiwanuka was moved from the Office of the Attorney General, with lawyer and politician Sam Mayanja taking over the Attorney General docket.

Muhoozi praised the decision and signaled readiness to work closely with the new Defence Minister.

“I congratulate my brother Honourable Kiryowa Kiwanuka on being appointed as Minister of Defence. We shall work together. I thank Mzee for this good appointment. Asante sana Mzee,” he stated.

The First Son also weighed in on the absence of Kasambya County MP David Kabanda from the cabinet list. Kabanda, who serves as Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda, had widely been tipped by political observers for a ministerial appointment.

Instead of expressing disappointment, Muhoozi defended Kabanda’s current political role, arguing that mobilising youth under PLU carries more importance than occupying a cabinet seat.

“My young brother Hon. Kabanda is the General Secretary of the Patriotic League of Uganda, a much more important position than being a cabinet minister. His job is to organise and mobilise the millions of young people in our country. Kabanda will get a ministerial job when Todwong gets one,” Muhoozi wrote.

He added: “In PLU, we do not look for government jobs. Our primary interest is the transformation of our country and people.”

Muhoozi’s remarks also dragged National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Richard Todwong into the discussion, with the military commander hinting that both Todwong and Kabanda could eventually receive government appointments simultaneously.

Political analysts say the comments reflect the increasing visibility and confidence of the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political pressure group associated with Muhoozi that has rapidly built influence among sections of the youth and ruling party supporters.

The developments become even more politically intriguing given that Justine Nameere, who previously engaged in a bitter public fallout with Kabanda, was among those appointed to government positions.

Nameere had earlier been arrested during a highly publicized dispute involving Kabanda before later being released on President Museveni’s orders, a move that attracted significant public attention at the time.

But it was Muhoozi’s renewed attack on Dr Chris Baryomunsi that generated the strongest reactions online.

The CDF suggested that President Museveni may have received misleading information before reappointing Baryomunsi to cabinet. Baryomunsi was named Minister of Health in the reshuffle, swapping positions with Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, who was transferred to the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.

“I think Mzee was given wrong information, in appointing Baryomunsi. He did not have all the facts,” Muhoozi wrote.

The remarks revive an already tense feud between the two powerful figures, whose public disagreements in recent months spilled onto social media and drew national attention.

Muhoozi revisited previous exchanges in which Baryomunsi allegedly referred to him as “Peter Pan” and made remarks about his upbringing, comments the General says insulted his mother.

“Someone had the audacity of calling me ‘Peter Pan’ a few months ago. Then he abused my mother by saying she raised me badly. They will be hell to pay!” Muhoozi further noted.

In perhaps his most explosive remarks yet, Muhoozi demanded a public apology from Baryomunsi and issued fresh threats against the veteran politician from Kanungu District.

“Either that small boy Baryomunsi apologises to me or else I will destroy him. I’m done talking about a criminal. Let’s see how long this Baryomunsi survives. There are some people who think by being appointed Ministers that they are safe. They can run but they cannot hide.”

The sharp statements immediately triggered intense debate across Uganda’s political landscape, with observers closely watching whether senior government officials will respond publicly to the growing tensions surrounding the new cabinet appointments.

The latest fallout comes as President Museveni attempts to shape a fresh administration for the 2026–2031 term, amid mounting political pressure, internal power shifts, and heightened speculation over succession dynamics within the ruling National Resistance Movement.