Behind Closed Doors: How Lobby Groups Are Influencing Museveni’s Cabinet Picks

President Yoweri Museveni is reportedly considering appointing defeated Moyo District Woman Member of Parliament and State Minister for Primary Education, Joyce Moriku Kaducu, to a presidential advisory role in the forthcoming government.

Highly placed sources indicate that the President is in the final stages of shaping his new cabinet, following thorough intelligence and counter-intelligence vetting of prospective appointees.

According to insiders, several ministers who lost their parliamentary seats are likely to be dropped from cabinet positions. However, the case of Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua is said to be under special consideration.

“Obua’s situation is unique. The President understands the dynamics surrounding his defeat, which stemmed from internal power struggles within the NRM, particularly involving Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among over influence in Northern Uganda,” a source revealed.

The formation of the new cabinet is expected to be highly competitive, with various interest groups—including religious and cultural institutions—actively lobbying for representation in key ministries. Some current office holders, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, are reportedly at risk of being left out as pressure mounts to accommodate new entrants.

Opposition figures from parties such as the Democratic Party (DP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who maintain cordial relations with the President, are also lobbying for cabinet positions, with indications that some may be considered.

Among the ongoing considerations, sources say President Museveni is likely to retain Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo as Minister of State for Higher Education in the new cabinet.

Additionally, individuals of Rwandan origin, said to have strong backing from Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, are pushing for influential roles, particularly within the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Among the prominent names being fronted is Professor Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University. Sources suggest he is being considered for a key role in the education sector, backed by his expertise in artificial intelligence and digital learning systems.

Muganga is reportedly held in high regard by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, who is said to admire his efforts to reform Africa’s education sector.

Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda is also said to be among those lobbying for Muganga’s inclusion in government. Mwenda is credited with playing a key role in persuading the Ugandan-Canadian academic to return to Uganda and lead businessman Sudhir Ruparelia’s Victoria University.