KAMPALA, Uganda — Ministers-designate appointed by President Yoweri Museveni are set to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, marking a key step in the formation of the new government under the 12th Parliament.
The ministers were named by the President last week and will be scrutinized by the Appointments Committee, which is chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth and deputised by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
The committee was formally constituted during Parliament’s plenary sitting on May 28, 2026, the second sitting of the newly inaugurated 12th Parliament. Its membership reflects Uganda’s multiparty political landscape, bringing together legislators from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), opposition parties, and independent representatives. Among its members is the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi.
Parliament Approves Expansion of Cabinet
Ahead of the vetting exercise, Parliament approved a government proposal to increase the number of Cabinet ministers from 21 to 30 and ministers of state from 21 to 51. The move raises the total number of ministers from 42 to 81.
The approval was granted in accordance with Articles 113(2) and 114(3) of the Constitution, which require parliamentary authorization for any increase in the number of ministers beyond the constitutional baseline of 21 Cabinet ministers and 21 ministers of state.
The motion was moved by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who, together with Vice-President Jessica Alupo, had already been approved by Parliament for their respective positions.
Presenting the proposal, Nabbanja argued that Uganda’s growing population and expanding government programmes have created new governance demands that require additional ministerial oversight.
“For the efficient running of the State, the President has determined that there is a need to increase the total number of full Cabinet Ministers from 21 to 30, and the total number of state ministers from 21 to 51,” Nabbanja told Parliament.
She said flagship government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and climate resilience initiatives require dedicated leadership to ensure effective implementation, monitoring, and accountability.
“Specialised portfolios are needed to coordinate cross-cutting programmes, monitor government performance and guarantee accountability at the grassroots level. More ministers allow specialization, clearer mandates, and stronger oversight,” she added.
Nabbanja further defended the proposal by noting that the number of ministers being proposed largely reflects the existing ministerial structure that has been operational in recent years.
“The number of ministers and ministers of state that have been carrying out duties is the same number we have brought. The rationalisation process was carried out because there was duplication of work in departments and agencies associated with different ministries,” she said.
The motion was seconded by Kyaka South County MP and Deputy Attorney General-designate Jackson Kafuuzi, who described parliamentary approval as an important constitutional safeguard against arbitrary expansion of government.
“The framers of the Constitution anticipated evolving governance needs and deliberately vested Parliament with the authority to approve the adjustments. This is not a departure from the law, but its faithful application,” Kafuuzi said.
However, the proposal faced resistance from several opposition legislators who argued that government should operate within the constitutional limits and redirect savings towards service delivery.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze urged Parliament to reject the increase, saying any governance gaps could be addressed through existing local government structures.
“For the first time in the history of this country, let us stay this motion and try out the number of ministers as given in the Constitution,” she said.
Chief Opposition Whip Paul Mwiru also opposed the expansion, arguing that reducing the size of government would free up resources for essential public services.
“The framers of the Constitution defined these numbers and government has not moved to amend these provisions. When we reduce their number, we are finding more money for service delivery,” Mwiru said.
Kassanda County North MP Patrick Nsamba echoed similar concerns, citing the recent rationalisation of government agencies and calling for a reduction in the number of ministers in the same spirit.
The Appointments Committee comprises representatives from the NRM, opposition parties, and independent members.
The ruling NRM holds the majority of seats, while opposition members include representatives from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
The committee is expected to conduct the vetting exercise over the coming days before presenting its recommendations to Parliament for approval.
Meanwhile, Parliament is also expected to constitute the remaining 30 standing and sectoral committees of the 12th Parliament in the coming days as legislative business gathers momentum.
