Political tension is mounting within the political corridors of power as speculation of a cabinet reshuffle by President Yoweri Museveni gains momentum ahead of the 2026 general elections. The growing uncertainty has left both current ministers and hopeful appointees on edge, with some reportedly resorting to prayers and traditional rituals to secure their positions.
Reliable sources conversant with the workings of the system, indicate that President Museveni, known for making strategic mini-reshuffles in the final year before elections, could be preparing to shake up his cabinet.
Analysts argue that such a move would serve multiple purposes, including strengthening loyalty within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), appeasing key political constituencies, and eliminating underperforming or politically vulnerable ministers.
“There’s always a political calculation behind these reshuffles,” said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Sources add that, “The President wants a strong, reliable team going into the elections, and some ministers might be dropped if they are seen as liabilities or have lost touch with their constituencies.”
The uncertainty has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power, with ministers and high-ranking officials reportedly spending sleepless nights hoping that they remain rumors.
“There is also the post of late Sarah Mateke to fill. He will most likely bring in a few people,” the source said.
Others, eager to be appointed, are lobbying influential figures, making strategic public appearances, and intensifying their political activities.
In some cases, desperate politicians have turned to divine intervention. A source close to a senior minister disclosed that he no longer misses prayers with religious leaders, seeking blessings to retain his position. Meanwhile, reports have emerged of others consulting traditional healers, believing that supernatural intervention could boost their chances of survival or elevation.
As Uganda’s Electoral Commission begins updating the voter register, a crucial step toward the 2026 elections, the political landscape is becoming increasingly charged. Many see a potential cabinet shake-up as a litmus test of who will be entrusted with steering the government into the crucial election period.
“President Museveni wants to go into the election, confident that he will regain lost ground and consolidate where he beat the opposition,” the source told this website.
For now, the speculation remains just that—rumors. However, given President Museveni’s history of making last-minute strategic political decisions, it is only a matter of time before the nation sees whether the feared reshuffle materializes.
