By President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reshuffled and reaffirmed a host of senior political figures and historical allies as Presidential Advisors, in what is widely seen as a strategic move to consolidate political control ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
Made under Article 172 of the Constitution, the appointments are a mix of old guard reappointments and symbolic new entries—designed to strengthen the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s ideological roots, shore up grassroots support, and revive the party’s liberation legacy.
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At the top of the list is former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, who has retained his position as Special Envoy for Special Duties in the Office of the President. A veteran diplomat and trusted aide, Rugunda remains a key figure in Museveni’s inner circle, representing continuity and stability at the highest levels of governance.
The list also includes the return of Hajj Abdul Nadduli, a former Minister without Portfolio and revered bush war figure, who has been reappointed as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilisation. Known for his connection to rural political networks, Nadduli’s role remains crucial in anchoring the NRM in its historical strongholds.
Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the head of the Office of the NRM National Chairman at Kyambogo and a visible leader of the “Bazzukulu Ba Museveni” youth mobilisation initiative, continues as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs. Her efforts have been central in rallying urban and semi-urban youth, particularly in areas where opposition parties are gaining traction.
In a notable new appointment, veteran journalist and political commentator Tony Owana joins the ranks as Presidential Advisor on NRA Archives. His role will focus on preserving the history and documentation of the National Resistance Army—the rebel force that brought Museveni to power in 1986. The symbolic value of this post reinforces the regime’s ongoing effort to keep the legacy of the liberation war alive in the national consciousness.
Other prominent reappointments include Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, the former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, who returns as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs; and David Kenneth Mafabi, one of the President’s longest-serving advisors, retained with a focus on regional integration and civic engagement.
Former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Kisuule, has been appointed as Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East Affairs—highlighting Uganda’s continued interest in strengthening bilateral ties with Gulf states.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kiiza Ali, a former Air Force officer and long-time presidential pilot, has been named Senior Presidential Advisor on Air Force, while former Minister of Works and Transport Monica Azuba Ntege retains her role as Senior Presidential Advisor without a designated portfolio.
The appointments extend beyond political veterans to include regional and thematic specialists. Florence Mutyabule, former MP for Namutumba, continues as Senior Presidential Advisor on Poverty Alleviation for the Busoga sub-region. Ssebunya Robert retains his position as Advisor on Buganda Matters, with a specific interest in cultural preservation.
Environmental and technical domains have also been considered. John Arimpa Kigyagi, formerly with the NRM Electoral Commission, is now Senior Presidential Advisor on Environment, tasked with guiding the administration’s climate and sustainability agenda. Dr. Beatrice Wabudeya, former Minister for the Presidency, will advise on veterinary services.
In another key development, Lt. Col. Anthony Kyakabale, a former rebel commander who returned from exile, has been appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Reconciliation. His appointment is seen as part of a broader push toward political healing and reintegration of formerly dissenting voices into the ruling structure.
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Gertrude Njuba Norah, a prominent historical from the bush war era, has been appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Lands and Political Affairs. Other names retained include Lt. Col. Ambako Kibrai and Dr. Ssekiboobo Dan, who will serve in the Resident District Commissioners’ Secretariat focusing on mobilisation and research, respectively.
Mary Kawuma, Francis Okello Opio (Lango Zone), and Luttamaguzi Patrick (Private Secretary for NRA Archives) are also among the cadre of political advisors who have been retained or reassigned.
Presidential Advisors are considered public servants and are entitled to government salaries, official vehicles, medical benefits, and other privileges. However, the growing number of advisors—many with roles that critics describe as overlapping or undefined—has sparked renewed debate about the cost of maintaining such a broad advisory corps.
Despite these criticisms, State House maintains that the appointments are essential for maintaining ideological discipline, providing specialised input to the President, and ensuring effective grassroots mobilization. Each advisor is expected to champion the NRM’s four ideological tenets: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy.
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