President Museveni has reinstated several veteran politicians and former government officials as presidential advisors, highlighting a strategy of continuity and trust in long-serving allies as he advances his political and policy objectives.
Appointed under Article 172 of the Constitution, the latest list includes familiar faces and new names. Among the notable additions is veteran journalist Tony Owana, who has been tasked with advising the President on National Resistance Army (NRA) archival matters.
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Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda remains Special Envoy for Special Duties in the President’s Office, maintaining his influential role in the President’s close advisory team. Similarly, Hadijah Namyalo, who leads the Office of the NRM National Chairman in Kyambogo, continues as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs. Namyalo has played a central role in youth mobilization through the “Bazzukulu Ba Museveni” initiative, targeting the younger electorate.
Another key returnee is Hajj Abdul Nadduli, a liberation war veteran and former Minister without Portfolio, who will continue advising on political mobilization—an area where he maintains strong grassroots influence.
Abbey Walusimbi, known for his involvement in diaspora affairs and migrant worker issues, retains his advisory role in that area. Monica Azuba Ntege, former Minister of Works and Transport, has also been reappointed as a Senior Presidential Advisor without a specific portfolio.
Presidential advisors in Uganda are public servants, entitled to salaries, allowances, and other benefits such as vehicles, housing, and medical care. Though exact compensation details are not disclosed, the expanding number of advisors and perceived redundancy in roles has stirred debate about cost and efficiency.
Other prominent reappointments include
- Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, now Senior Advisor on Political Affairs.
- Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Kisuule, advising on Middle East affairs.
- Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kiiza Ali, appointed as Senior Advisor on Air Force matters.
- David Kenneth Mafabi, a long-standing advisor, who retains his post focusing on regional integration and civic engagement.
- Richard Muhinda, returns to advise on public service management.
Additional advisors include:
- Ssebunya Robert on Buganda cultural affairs,
- Lt. Col. Anthony Kyakabale on reconciliation,
- John Arimpa Kigyagi on environmental sustainability.
There are also region-specific and thematic appointments designed to bolster grassroots support and reflect regional representation. For instance:
- Florence Mutyabule will advise on poverty alleviation in Busoga.
- Dr. Beatrice Wabudeya on veterinary services,
- Gertrude Njuba Norah, a historical figure of the liberation struggle, on political affairs and land issues,
- Lt. Col. Ambako Kibrai and Dr. Ssekiboobo Dan at the RDC Secretariat on mobilization and research.
Others retained include Mary Kawuma, Francis Okello Opio (Lango Zone), and Luttamaguzi Patrick (Private Secretary, NRA Archives).
While these roles are primarily consultative, the advisors are also expected to advance the NRM’s ideological pillars: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.
These appointments come at a politically sensitive time, with the 2026 general elections drawing closer—underscoring Museveni’s strategy to rely on loyal cadres for mobilization, historical continuity, and ideological reinforcement.
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