President Yoweri Museveni has appointed the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Wilson Mbadi a minister of state for trade and industry. It is not clear whether Gen Mbadi will for the meantime serve as CDF and minister or he has to hand over army command to his deputy Lt Gen Peter Elwelu.
It has now become a norm for Museveni to appoint CDFs as ministers and eventually replaces them. It started with late Gen Aronda Nyakayirima being appointed minister for internal affairs and was replaced by Gen Edward Katumba Wamala.
Museveni later appointed Gen Katumba state minister for works and transport but later became full minister for the same portfolio. Gen Katumba was replaced with Gen David Muhoozi as CDF who was also appointed minister of state for internal affairs a position he still holds.
Gen Muhoozi was replaced with Gen Mbadi as CDF who has this evening been appointed minister of state of trade. Gen Mbadi was deputy CDF during Gen Muhoozi’s reigns. Museveni has also dropped minister of defence and veteran affairs Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja and replaced him with his deputy Markson Jacob Oboth.
Kitgum woman Member of Parliament Lillian Aber has been appointed state minister of relief, disaster preparedness and refugees. Museveni has appointed his press secretary Dr Kenneth Omona who has been appointed minister Northern Uganda.
Renowned events promoter Balam Barugahara has been appointed minister of state for youth and children affairs. Ssempijja has been appointed presidential advisor without designated portfolio. Museveni said Ssempijja and others will be given responsibilities at a later date.