The scramble for Cabinet slots has reportedly spilled far beyond government offices and political corridors. Across the political corridors of power, there is talk that anxious hopefuls are leaving no door unopened in the hunt for a ministerial appointment.
Sources say hotels, ‘bufunda’ now host late-night strategy meetings with power brokers in addition to quiet visits to influential pastors.
Pastors promising “breakthrough prayers” and traditional healers claiming spiritual influence are reportedly cashing in as nervous politicians seek divine favour, or anything they believe could tilt fortune in their direction before the final list is signed.
In political circles, the talk is that prayer altars and shrines are just as busy as boardrooms.
With the Cabinet list believed to be in its final stages, Kampala’s rumour mill has gone into overdrive, with stories flying of politicians consulting everyone from senior mobilisers to prophets and witchdoctors in hopes of securing a seat at the high table.
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With Parliament leadership now sorted following the election of Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth as Speaker and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker, political attention in Kampala has swiftly turned to the next big question; who makes President Yoweri Museveni’s new Cabinet?
Reports indicate the long-awaited Cabinet list is imminent, triggering a fresh wave of anxiety, lobbying and intense behind-the-scenes calculations within government and ruling party circles.
State House remains tight-lipped, but insiders say anticipation has hit fever pitch as former ministers, technocrats and political mobilisers make final pushes for a place on Museveni’s team.
After the speakership vote, Museveni sounded a warning to incoming ministers, something political minders say is an indicator that his list is complete and just waiting release.
Traditionally, the President names Cabinet shortly after taking the oath of office, a moment that often brings celebration for some and crushing disappointment for others.
Sources say several outgoing ministers have already begun quietly vacating offices, while hopeful contenders continue working phones, leaning on networks and seeking last-minute intervention from influential figures with the hope that if the list has space, they could make it.
Adding further intrigue is the voice of Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whose recent public comments on the shape of the next Cabinet have drawn significant political attention and sparked debate over possible names in contention.
Political insiders believe Museveni’s next list could deliver major surprises, with expectations of a reshuffle that may usher in fresh faces while rewarding loyal mobilisers and technocrats viewed as strong performers.
There is also growing speculation that the President could use the appointments to inject younger blood into government, while ministers who lost parliamentary races are seen as particularly vulnerable, unless rescued by presidential discretion.
The suspense has kept Kampala’s political class on edge. Social media timelines, WhatsApp groups, ministries and corridors of power are awash with predictions over who stays, who gets dropped and who could emerge as the next big power players in government.
For now, however, the final decision remains one of Yoweri Museveni’s most tightly guarded secrets at State House.
Reports further indicate the man from Rwakitura could unveil the list sooner rather than later, amid growing urgency to fully constitute government and potentially establish a task force involving Cabinet ministers to coordinate response efforts around the Ebola situation.
Until then, Kampala waits.
