Museveni Reappoints Rugunda, Nadduli As Owana Named Presidential Advisor on NRA Archives

President Museveni has reappointed several senior political figures and former government officials as presidential advisors, signalling continuity and trust in familiar hands as he consolidates his political and policy agenda.

The appointments, made under Article 172 of the Constitution, also saw veteran journalist and broadcaster Tony Owana join the infinite list of presidential advisors.

Mr Owana has been charged with helping the President on matters of NRA archives.

Among the most prominent reappointments is former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, who retains his Special Envoy for Special Duties in the President’s Office.

Rugunda, a veteran diplomat and seasoned administrator, remains a trusted figure within the President’s inner circle.

Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, head of the Office of the NRM National Chairman at Kyambogo, retained her position as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs.

Namyalo has in recent years been the face of youth mobilisation under the "Bazzukulu Ba Museveni" initiative—an effort aimed at energising young voters and countering opposition influence in urban and peri-urban areas.

Also returning to the advisory docket is Hajj Abdul Nadduli, a former Minister without Portfolio and liberation war veteran, who will continue to serve as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilisation.

His consistent engagement with grassroots political structures has earned him a long-standing seat at the table of Museveni’s inner political network.

Abbey Walusimbi, whose role in diaspora affairs has included repatriation efforts for Ugandan migrant workers, retains his position as Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, while Monica Azuba Ntege, former works and transport minister, continues as Senior Presidential Advisor without a specified portfolio.

Presidential Advisors in Uganda are entitled to a government salary and various allowances, as they are appointed under Article 172 of the Constitution and considered public servants.

Senior advisors often receive additional facilitation such as official vehicles, housing, and medical benefits.

While the exact figures of their pay are not publicly disclosed, the growing number of advisors and the nature of some of their roles have sparked public debate, with critics questioning the financial burden on taxpayers and the effectiveness of having many advisors with overlapping or unclear responsibilities.

Other significant reappointments include:

• 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. Kiiza Ali (Rtd), former UPDF Air Force officer and presidential pilot, now Senior Presidential Advisor on Air Force.
• David Kenneth Mafabi, one of the longest-serving presidential advisors, retained as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, with a focus on regional integration and civic engagement.

Tony Owana, a veteran journalist and broadcaster, has been appointed Presidential Advisor on NRA Archives, a role tied to documentation and preservation of the NRM’s historical record.

Richard Muhinda, former State House Comptroller and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, returns as Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Service Matters.

Other appointees include:

• Ssebunya Robert, retained as Senior Presidential Advisor on Buganda Matters, with a special interest in cultural documentation.
• Lt. Col. Anthony Kyakabale, a returned exile and former rebel commander, named Senior Presidential Advisor on Reconciliation.
• John Arimpa Kigyagi, former deputy chair of the NRM Electoral Commission, now Senior Presidential Advisor on Environment, with emphasis on climate policy and sustainability.

Regional and thematic appointments also reflect targeted political strategies. For example:

• Florence Mutyabule, former MP for Namutumba, retained as Senior Presidential Advisor on Poverty Alleviation (Busoga Sub-region).
• Dr. Beatrice Wabudeya, former Minister for the Presidency, now Senior Presidential Advisor on Veterinary Services.
• Gertrude Njuba Norah, a bush war historical, now Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Lands.
• Lt. Col. Ambako Kibrai and Dr. Ssekiboobo Dan, both posted to the Resident District Commissioners' Secretariat as advisors on mobilisation and research, respectively.

Additionally, Mary Kawuma, Francis Okello Opio (Lango Zone), and Luttamaguzi Patrick (Private Secretary, NRA Archives) are among those retained in political advisory positions.

While the roles are largely advisory, the appointees are expected to champion the National Resistance Movement’s four ideological pillars: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy.

The appointments come amid growing political contestation ahead of the 2026 general elections and signal the President’s strategic intent to rely on tested cadres for grassroots mobilisation, historical continuity, and ideological alignment.

The appointments, made under Article 172 of the Constitution, also saw veteran journalist and broadcaster Tony Owana join the infinite list of presidential advisors.