President Kaguta Museveni has strengthened the West Nile sub-region’s presence in central government with six cabinet appointments in the newly released government list, widely interpreted as recognition of the region’s continued political support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The appointments, made under the constitutional powers of the President, place leaders from West Nile in strategic ministries including defence, health, energy, works and transport, information and communications technology, and trade and cooperatives.
Among those appointed is Huda Abason Oleru, the Woman Member of Parliament for Yumbe District, who has been named Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in charge of Veteran Affairs.
Phiona Nyamutoro, the Woman Member of Parliament for Nebbi District, has been appointed Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development in charge of Minerals, while Dr Charles Ayume, the Member of Parliament for Koboko Municipality, takes up the position of Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care.
Yorke Odria Alioni, the Member of Parliament for Aringa South County, has been appointed Minister of State for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance in charge of National Guidance.
In the Ministry of Works and Transport, Siraji Musa Ali has been appointed Minister of State for Works. He is the son of veteran politician and Adjumani West County Member of Parliament Moses Ali.
Tom Aza Aleru, the Member of Parliament for Moyo West County, has been appointed Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives in charge of Cooperatives.
Political analysts say the appointments consolidate West Nile’s representation at the national level and reflect the President’s confidence in a region that has consistently backed the ruling National Resistance Movement.
Local leaders and residents in the West Nile sub-region have welcomed the appointments, saying they present an opportunity to accelerate service delivery, infrastructure expansion, improved healthcare, and broader economic transformation across the region.