By James Kamana
The talk in Bugisu is now on how President Museveni is going to restructure his cabinet alignment as he begins his new term. Officially, the current government expires on May 11 and on 12th, the son of Kaguta and Mama Esteeri Kokundeka is supposed to take an oath as President for another term 2026 to 2031.
However, all faces are now on who he is going to work with when it comes to Bugisu subregion having suffered humiliation in the current term occasioned on him by two female Bugisu ministers who stole iron sheets of the people they were supposed to serve. In this expose, we reveal the faces to watch as cabinet vetting takes shape.
Nandala Mafabi
He is the outgoing MP for budadiri west and an FDC man. He contested for President of Uganda but miserably failed. However, inspectors suggest that having fallen out with UPC, Museveni is now having his eyes on FDC which he wants to work with him under a national unity government-like arrangement.
Nandala being from FDC and not hostile, is said to be among those to work with the President in the new cabinet alongside Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba and as usual, Norbert Mao. Museveni wants UPC to stay out for now on grounds that it’s first lady and minister Betty Amongi defied him on not antagonizing him in Lira City and also Jimmy Akena’s recent alliance with NUP. Nandala comes in to occupy the Akena group’s gap.
Lydia Wanyoto
If the position of speaker or deputy speaker is opened up and a secret ballot is done, just be sure majority army MPs would vote for her. We’re told the army treats Wanyoto as their own having associated with the institution for years including going to Somalia. Not done, Wanyoto allegedly did a course in Kimaka on strategic leadership, exposing her to state leadership skills and other statecraft work. She is said to be favoured for leadership in the parliament. No wonder, she has already expressed interest in the speakership position.
For now, the NRM CEC has already endorsed incumbent speaker Anita Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa for another term in office. However, the wife to former minister James Mutende, Wanyoto is among the faces to watch as Museveni makes his cabinet.
Rose Mutonyi
The woman MP for Manafwa is itching to enter cabinet without fail. She’s an educationist and well composed lady. She’s articulate and speaks substance. We’re told unless things change otherwise, Mutonyi might take up a full cabinet position to whip that subregion for the President.
Barrister Peter Magomu Mashate
He is an accomplished lawyer practicing both in the United Kingdom and Uganda. He contested in budadiri west but he lost. However, he’s regarded as a cool-headed man with a vast experience in NRM politics since the days of UPM. He has also represented President Museveni in court both at national and international levels. In 2006, he was part of the legal team that defended Museveni in court against Kizza Besigye’s petition challenging his re-election. He worked alongside Kiwanuka Kiryowa, Owiny Dollo, John Mary Byamugisha, among others. He also defended Museveni in UK court when he was sued in his private capacity and won the case.
Museveni we’re told even held a meeting recently with one of the State Ministers in Bugisu asking about Mashate and whether he was ready to return permanently and settle and work in Uganda. This signaled that Museveni is planning something big for him unless otherwise.
ASHA Lomolo
She’s the daughter to the wealthy and powerful Sironko NRM chairman Suleiman Lomolo and hubby to NRM national treasurer. She defeated state minister for Karamoja Florence Nambozo Wamala to become the woman MP. She’s also said to be among the faces that must not be ignored as Museveni strategizes to govern Bugisu in the coming term. Others are ERA’s board chairperson Sarah Kanaabi Wasagali. Watch the space!
