Politics 27 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Oryem Expresses Disappointment After Losing Cabinet Seat After Two Decades
Henry Okello Oryem, who served as State Minister for Foreign Affairs for over 20 years, has voiced his disappointment after being excluded from President Museveni's recent cabinet reshuffle. He remains ready to serve the country in other capacities. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/i-m-disappointed-says-oryem-after-missing-cabinet-slot-5476060
Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, has expressed his disappointment following his removal from Cabinet in President Yoweri Museveni’s latest ministerial shake-up. Oryem, who has held the foreign affairs portfolio since 2004, was one of two ministers from the Acholi sub-region excluded from the new lineup, being succeeded by Calvin Echodu.
Oryem acknowledged the sting of the decision but conveyed gratitude to President Museveni for the extensive trust placed in him over two decades. He described his tenure as a significant honor, providing him with a rare platform to represent Uganda on the global stage and interact with international leaders. He highlighted his work in promoting and safeguarding Uganda’s interests across various international forums, including the UN and the African Union, and in building the nation’s international network and image.
Despite his departure from Cabinet, Oryem affirmed his continued willingness to serve Uganda in any capacity, whether through diplomacy, consultancy, or other government assignments, leveraging his background as a trained lawyer.
Addressing concerns about the NRM’s representation from Northern Uganda, Oryem urged patience and tolerance from the region’s residents. He suggested that the focus should shift towards lobbying for essential infrastructure development and poverty-alleviation projects rather than solely on political appointments. He noted the significant shift towards NRM support in Northern Uganda.
The recent cabinet reshuffle, which saw some ministers retained and new faces introduced, is widely viewed as a strategic reorganization in preparation for the upcoming 2026-2031 political term. While some Acholi leaders have welcomed the appointments, others have pointed to internal party divisions and the need for regional balance as factors influencing the outcome.
Analysis from figures like Arthur Owor, Director of Research and Operations at the Centre for Africa Research, suggests the reshuffle reflects the President’s challenge in balancing regional interests with limited cabinet positions. Owor also cited divisions among Acholi leaders as a factor that may have weakened the region’s collective bargaining power compared to other regions like West Nile.