Museveni asked to drop Kataaha from cabinet over incompetence

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has challenged President Yoweri Museveni to remove his wife, First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, from the cabinet, citing poor performance and persistent failures in the country’s education system.

Janet Museveni was reappointed Minister of Education and Sports for a third consecutive term in the new cabinet, a move the opposition describes as “unjustified.” FDC claims that high school fees, unresolved teacher welfare issues, and stagnating learning outcomes indicate a ministry in crisis.

“The ministry demands a competent, independent, and professional minister to guide the nation’s future generations,” said Robert Centenary, the FDC deputy president for the Western Region.

According to the FDC, the education ministry requires a “competent, independent, and professional minister to oversee the ministry, emphasizing its critical role in shaping the nation’s future generations.

“The FDC reiterates its call for her removal and replacement with a competent, independent and professional minister to preside over that sensitive ministry because it is the one that is building our nation for future generations.”

In addition to criticizing Janet Kataaha Museveni’s reappointment, the FDC criticized the appointment of four designated ministers; Adonia Ayebare (Foreign Affairs), Dr. Lawrence Muganga (Internal Affairs), Sanjay Tana (Trade), and Calvin Echodu, citing controversies over their dual citizenship.

Last week, President Museveni announced list of 83 cabinet and state ministers which included the aforementioned appointees. The appointments have however raised claims on violation of Section 19(d) of the constitution of Uganda under Citizenship and Immigration Control Act (as amende), which restricts dual citizens from holding positions including the presidency, prime ministership, and cabinet roles.

The FDC further cited the recently assented Sovereignty and Protection Act, 2025, which protects Ugandans against foreigners. The opposition party argues that the appointments are an “insult to Ugandans,” warning that it undermines the spirit of the law.

Cabinet 2026, new faces

The parliamentary vetting of designated ministers begun today (May 31) before the Appointments Committee chaired by Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth. Opposition have however expressed skepticism over the process.

Centenary has called on the committee to withhold vetting the controversial designated ministers, but warned that the ruling party’s control would limit meaningful scrutiny of nominees.

The FDC described the reshuffle as “a mere change of guards” and urged Ugandans to demand real change through constitutional means.

“Ugandans should not expect substantive scrutiny from a committee where the ruling party controls the outcome,” Centenary said.

Despite the announcement, the FDC dismissed the new cabinet as “a mere change of guards” and urged Ugandans to demand real change through constitutional means.

“Ugandans should not expect anything new from this cabinet. It is the same old story of no change until citizens themselves act within the framework of the constitution,” Centenary added.

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