Busoga’s representation in the newly announced Cabinet has reduced from seven to five positions following President Museveni’s latest reshuffle, triggering concern among political observers and local leaders who say the region’s contribution to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral performance has not been adequately reflected in appointments.
The changes have largely retained long-serving female ministers while sidelining some former incumbents who lost parliamentary contests in the recent election cycle.
Among those retained is First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga, who continues to hold one of the most senior political positions from the region.
Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama also retains her role and continues to serve as Minister without Portfolio. Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda remains in office, alongside State Minister for Housing and Urban Development Persis Namuganza, ensuring continued female representation from Busoga in key government positions.
The reshuffle has, however, resulted in the exit of two ministers who previously represented the sub-region in Cabinet.
Former State Minister for Cooperatives Fredrick Ngobi Gume and former State Minister for Agriculture Fred Bwino Kyakulaga both lost their positions after failing to secure victory in the NRM party primaries and subsequent political contests.
Fredrick Ngobi Gume, who previously represented Bulamogi North West, attempted to retain his parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the January general elections but was defeated by Patrick Deeba Kassajja.
Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, who contested for Kigulu North, withdrew from the race after losing in the NRM primaries, ending his bid for both Parliament and Cabinet retention.
The reduction in Cabinet slots has sparked concern among some Busoga leaders and residents, who argue that the region’s political support for President Museveni should have translated into either maintained or increased representation.
In the most recent presidential election, Museveni reportedly secured about 54 percent support in the sub-region, a performance supporters say warranted stronger Cabinet presence.
Political analysts interpret the reshuffle as part of a broader balancing strategy that weighs regional representation against party loyalty, electoral outcomes, and internal NRM dynamics.
The retention of long-serving ministers alongside the removal of those who lost party primaries underscores the influence of internal party structures on Cabinet survival.
Despite the reduction, Busoga continues to maintain a visible presence in government through senior and state-level positions, with figures such as Rebecca Kadaga remaining influential in national decision-making.
However, questions persist over how the reduced numbers may affect the region’s bargaining power in future policy and development allocations.
