Nankabirwa Confident of Keeping Ministerial Post as Cabinet Reshuffle Looms

Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu has dismissed speculation surrounding an impending cabinet reshuffle, saying she remains confident of retaining a ministerial position in the next government.

Speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony for newly sworn-in Charles Kawuma Nsereko Basajjassubi on Wednesday, Nankabirwa said she has no reason to fear being dropped from cabinet, citing her loyalty to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement since joining active politics in 1996.

Nankabirwa, who lost her parliamentary seat in 2021 after serving for 25 years as Kiboga District Woman MP, nevertheless retained a cabinet position and has since continued serving as Minister for Energy and Mineral Development. She previously held positions including Minister of State for Fisheries, Minister of State for Microfinance, and Government Chief Whip.

At the event, she rejected suggestions that she is among ministers anxious about possible cabinet changes, insisting she remains capable and effective in government service.

“I have served President Yoweri Museveni with total loyalty and I see no reason why he won’t reappoint me in cabinet in any ministry. I have done nothing wrong and am among performers,” Nankabirwa said.

Her remarks followed comments by MP Nsereko Basajjassubi, who expressed hope that she retains her cabinet role so she can continue supporting electricity extension projects in his constituency.

Nankabirwa also praised the NRM’s mobilisation efforts in Buganda during the recent elections, saying she worked closely with Rosemary Namayanja Nsereko and other party leaders through the “Buganda for Museveni” campaign rallies.

During the thanksgiving ceremony, Nsereko pledged to prioritise service delivery, agricultural support programmes, and initiatives targeting women and youth in Nakaseke South.

Samuel Kajoba urged the newly sworn-in MP to remain focused on serving the public faithfully and avoid being distracted by wealth and political power.

Meanwhile, Rose Namayanja said the ruling party had regained political dominance in Nakaseke after defeating opposition candidates in the recent elections. She called on the new leaders to actively promote government programmes and improve service delivery.

Edward Ssengonzi Ddamulira, the Under Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, also pledged cooperation with the new legislators to improve livelihoods in the district.

Three of Nakaseke’s four Members of Parliament were sworn in Wednesday, including Kabuye Kyofa and Wilber Ahebwa.

The swearing-in exercise, overseen by the Clerk to Parliament, is expected to continue through Friday, with at least 184 Members of Parliament taking oath on Wednesday alone.