Politics 6 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ministers' Tenure Clarified: Still in Office Until New Government Sworn In
Confusion arose regarding the tenure of Ugandan cabinet ministers following the final cabinet meeting and a farewell luncheon hosted by President Museveni. Officials have clarified that ministers remain in their posts legally until the new government is officially in office. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/questions-linger-over-ministers-stay-in-office-after-the-last-cabinet-sitting-5449656
Questions have been raised about the legal standing of cabinet ministers after President Museveni presided over what appeared to be the final cabinet meeting of the current government on May 4, followed by a farewell luncheon.
Some observers interpreted these events as a signal for ministers to vacate their offices. However, government officials have stepped in to clarify the situation.
According to Presidential Press Secretary Sandor Walusimbi, the President did not dissolve the cabinet. He explained that the meeting and luncheon were simply part of the outgoing administration’s final activities and did not legally terminate the ministers’ tenure.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka echoed this sentiment, stating that the cabinet’s term officially concludes only upon the swearing-in of the new government. Lucy Nakyobe, the Secretary to the Cabinet, added that the meeting was held earlier than usual due to scheduling conflicts with the upcoming swearing-in ceremony on May 11.
Ministers themselves confirmed they are continuing to discharge their duties. State Minister for Trade, Harriet Ntabazi, noted that their contracts are valid until the new President takes the oath, emphasizing that all actions taken are legal.
The Cabinet Handbook of 2008 outlines that ministers remain in office until the expiry of the government’s term, or until a new cabinet is appointed. The process dictates a formal handover to Permanent Secretaries if they are not reappointed.
President Museveni is set to be sworn in for his new term on May 12, after which he will proceed with forming his new cabinet. The transition process will be guided by the President following his inauguration.