Politics 5 May 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Museveni's 'Fishmongers' Cabinet Ends Term Amid Iron Sheets Scandal Shadow
Uganda's 2021-2026 cabinet has wrapped up its tenure after a final meeting, with President Museveni praising the ministers' efforts despite earlier dubbing them 'fishmongers' and a tarnish from the iron sheets theft scandal. Only two ministers were removed over the controversy, as uncertainty looms over the new lineup. Source: https://observer.ug/news/fishmongers-cabinet-winds-down-with-mabati-theft-taint
The 2021-2026 Ugandan cabinet has officially concluded its five-year term. Ministers attended their last meeting on Monday and were instructed to hand over offices to permanent secretaries.
President Yoweri Museveni hosted a farewell luncheon at State House in Entebbe. He commended the outgoing team for their discipline, commitment, and role in national development, including the recent elections. Museveni once nicknamed them ‘fishmongers,’ signaling they were not the usual elite picks.
Appointments like Jesca Alupo as Vice President and Robinah Nabbanja as Prime Minister raised eyebrows at the time. Few predicted the cabinet would serve the full term without major reshuffles, bucking past trends.
The term is overshadowed by the iron sheets scandal, where materials for Karamoja’s vulnerable communities were diverted. Ministers Agnes Nandutu and Mary Goretti Kitutu were dropped; Nandutu was convicted and jailed for four years.
Museveni highlighted progress toward middle-income status, though debated by bodies like the World Bank. He urged the ministers to uphold integrity and patriotism.
Now, outgoing ministers anxiously await the next cabinet announcement ahead of Museveni’s May 12 swearing-in. Lobbying has ramped up, with many eyeing spots amid speculation of a potential transition after nearly 45 years of Museveni’s rule.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)