Women Take Half of Uganda’s Cabinet in Museveni’s New Government

Women now occupy nearly half of the ministerial positions in President Yoweri Museveni’s newly appointed Cabinet, marking another milestone in Uganda’s gradual shift toward greater female representation in national leadership.

The latest Cabinet line-up reflects a steady rise in the number of women serving in top government positions under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Political observers say the development highlights a long-term trend that has transformed Uganda’s leadership structure over the last four decades.

When President Museveni first formed his government in 1986, the Cabinet was dominated by men, with only a few women serving in deputy roles. Over the years, however, the number of female ministers has continued to grow through successive administrations.

In 1994, Uganda made continental history when Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe became Africa’s first female vice president. The current Vice President, Jessica Alupo, remains one of the most senior women in government and the second woman to hold the office in Uganda’s history.

Recent Cabinet appointments show women taking up key ministries and maintaining strong influence within government despite broader political reshuffles. Analysts argue that Museveni has consistently used Cabinet appointments to expand female participation in leadership, even though debates over gender balance and political representation continue.

The growing presence of women in Cabinet has also reshaped regional political dynamics. In some areas, female ministers now dominate government representation after several male politicians lost their positions during the latest reshuffle.

Supporters of the trend describe it as evidence of progress in women’s empowerment and inclusion in national decision-making. Critics, however, maintain that representation alone should also be matched with stronger influence in policy and governance.

Uganda’s evolving Cabinet composition now places the country among those in the region with one of the highest levels of female representation in executive government.

Source DAILYMONITOR NEWS