Politics 5 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni's 'Fishermen Cabinet' Ends Amid Corruption Scandals and Economic Gains
President Museveni's 'fishermen cabinet', formed after the 2021 election, concluded its term rocked by the Mabaatigate scandal involving iron sheets theft, yet Museveni praised its role in economic growth and middle-income progress. Despite persistent corruption issues like impunity and procurement fraud, the government reported achievements in GDP, poverty reduction, and infrastructure. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-museveni-fishermen-cabinet-fared-amid-waves--5448450
President Yoweri Museveni chaired the final meeting of his ‘fishermen cabinet’ on Monday, marking the end of the team he appointed following the 2021 presidential election. This cabinet faced major turbulence from the 2023 Mabaatigate scandal, where iron sheets meant for Karamoja’s vulnerable communities were diverted or stolen, implicating 26 ministers and 31 MPs.
Only Ministers Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agness Nandutu faced consequences, with both removed from cabinet and Nandutu sentenced to four years in prison in April 2026. High-profile figures like Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Speaker Anita Among, and Finance Minister Matia Kasaija escaped severe repercussions, though Among faced US and UK sanctions.
Uganda’s Corruption Perceptions Index stagnated in the mid-20s out of 100, ranking around 140-148 globally from 2021 to 2025, due to official impunity, weak judiciary, and procurement fraud. The Inspectorate of Government estimated annual losses of Shs10 trillion to corruption in 2024.
Despite this, Museveni hailed the cabinet for steering Uganda to middle-income status. He highlighted GDP growth from 3% in FY2019/20 to 6.3% in FY2024/25, per capita income rising to US$1,263, exports at US$13.3 billion, electricity access at 60%, and poverty dropping to 6.1%. Revenue doubled to Shs32 trillion, electricity generation hit 2,051MW, and factories grew to 50,000.
Prime Minister Nabbanja claimed 87% of NRM manifesto targets met, with 434 of 809 commitments completed. While Museveni announced lower middle-income status, the World Bank lists Uganda as low-income, though UN criteria suggest possible LDC graduation by 2032.
Speculation grows on whether the next 2026-2031 cabinet will stay populist or shift to technocrats.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)