Nankabirwa Appeals to Museveni for Cabinet Retention in Seventh Term

Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa has publicly appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to retain her in Cabinet, saying she has served the NRM government loyally and diligently throughout her long political career without any wrongdoing.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to retain her in Cabinet for his seventh term, saying she has served loyally and diligently in the NRM government without any wrongdoing.

Nankabirwa made the remarks in Kampala while attending a thanksgiving ceremony for the newly elected Nakaseke South Member of Parliament, Charles Basajjassubi Nsereko, who was recently sworn in as the area legislator.

She said that throughout her time serving in Museveni’s government, she has remained committed and has never failed him, adding that she sees no reason why she should be left out of Cabinet.

“What have I done not to return to Cabinet really? Am I too old? Am I a thief? Am I not working? If he is looking for hardworking women in Cabinet, I am doing well. I sleep well because I have done nothing to put me off the list of Cabinet ministers. President, I have done nothing apart from loving you and working,” Nankabirwa said.

Nankabirwa has served in several government positions over the years, including State Minister for Microfinance, State Minister for Fisheries, and Government Chief Whip, among others. She said her long service record demonstrates her dedication and belief that she still has more to offer government.

The event was attended by religious leaders led by Samuel Kajoba, as well as senior NRM officials including Rose Namayanja and Barbara Nekesa Oundo.

Archbishop Kajoba urged politicians not to forget God after attaining political success and warned against abandoning voters after elections.

“God has helped you reach those political heights; do not forget Him. Trust in Him, not in people who change. Politicians tend to forget their voters — they use them as ladders and throw them away after winning. That is not wise,” Kajoba said.

Namayanja asked Nsereko to help transform Nakaseke South, which she said has lagged behind in development due to opposition leadership, and called on residents and leaders to work together.

“Nakaseke South is a very vital area in NRM because of its history in bringing this government into power. It has been lagging behind because of opposition leadership, and it has been painful for us. But we thank God you are here, and I ask residents and leaders to work in unity to achieve big things,” she said.

Barbara Nekesa also appealed to Nsereko to popularize NRM and government programmes such as PDM and Emyooga so that residents can benefit from improved education, health services, and better living standards.

Speaking to his supporters, Nsereko, the NRM candidate who won the parliamentary seat after polling 30,279 votes against Paulson Luttamaguzi Ssemakula of NUP who garnered 18,123 votes, thanked God for his victory but warned about the many challenges and hidden schemes in politics.

“When I was preparing to contest, people asked why I was joining NRM. Some told me I had made a mistake and should have stood as an independent candidate, but I remained firm in NRM. I thank you for trusting me,” he said.

He added that politics requires patience, discipline, and caution because small mistakes can easily destroy the future.