UGANDA CABINET: Who Is Likely to Make it on the List From Rwenzori Region?

As Uganda waits for the formation of a new cabinet, political temperatures are rising across the country as citizens speculate on who President Yoweri Museveni will entrust with leadership positions in the next government. The appointing authority is expected to balance regional interests, reward loyalty, and strengthen political stability across the nation.

In the Rwenzori region, especially Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, attention has shifted toward whether the President will retain experienced leaders or introduce a new generation of influential political figures who command strong grassroots support.

In Kasese district, several names continue to dominate political discussions. Veteran politician Crispus Kiyonga, the MP Bukonzo West Constituency, Kasese District remains a respected figure whose long experience in government could earn him a return to cabinet if the President chooses to restore the old guard.

Another strong contender is Godfrey Kabyanga, the outgoing Cabinet Minister for ICT and National Guidance whose tenure as Minister of ICT is widely credited by supporters for helping shift Kasese from opposition dominance toward stronger support for the ruling National Resistance Movement. His mobilization strength and connection with ordinary people continue to place him among the likely candidates.

Marilyn Kabugho, the Kasese District woman representative(former aspirant) also remains a notable possibility. As the only woman frequently mentioned among the likely appointees from Kasese, she carries both political and gender balancing significance. Her growing support base and visibility in the district could work strongly in her favour.

In Bundibugyo district, however, the political equation is more sensitive and deeply tied to ethnic representation and historical imbalance between Bughendera and Bwamba counties.

For many years, Bwamba County has seen major parliamentary and ministerial opportunities largely rotate among the Babwisi political elite, leaving many Baamba voices feeling sidelined despite being part of the same political landscape. This growing concern has increasingly shaped local political discussions.

It is within this context that Donna Kamuli Kapalaya, the Bundibugyo District Woman Representative(former aspirant) has emerged as a significant political figure. As a proud Mwamba leader seeking representation for communities that many believe have long remained politically overlooked, Donna Kamuli represents a new wave of political awakening in Bundibugyo.

Many local observers argue that for years some Babwisi politicians benefited from presenting Baamba and Babwisi interests as one united bloc while meaningful representation and empowerment for the Baamba community remained none existent. This has gradually created frustration among many people who now want direct representation from leaders who genuinely understand and speak for the Amba community.

Kapalaya Donna Kamuli’s rise therefore symbolizes more than individual ambition. To many supporters, it represents a demand for fairness, recognition, and political inclusion for communities that feel they have spent years watching others dominate leadership positions in their own region.

Names such as Harriet Ntabazi, Bwamba County, Bundibugyo District(MP elect) and Richard Gafabusa, the Bwamba County Bundibugyo District(former) remain influential in Bwamba politics, but discussions about balancing representation have increasingly strengthened Kapalaya Donna Kamuli’s position among those calling for change.

Meanwhile, in Bughendera County, political conversations continue to revolve around two dominant camps associated with Bughendera County Bundibugyo District(mp elect) Kibanzanga Christopher Mbalibulha Taban and Bughendera County Bundibugyo(former) Moses Kiiza, popularly known as Acrobat. Although both leaders command support in the mountains, many people in Bughendera strongly believe that Prince Kibanzanga remains the true symbol and voice of the ordinary people. His political influence continues to stand tall across the county because of his deep connection with grassroots communities and his historical role in championing the concerns of the Bakonzo people.

Supporters argue that during the last five years when Kibanzanga was out of active leadership, the voice of Bughendera became less visible at the national level. Many people felt the county had lost a fearless figure who had consistently spoken boldly for the interests of the mountain communities. Across villages and trading centres in Bughendera, many people continue to see Kibanzanga as their chosen leader whose absence from major leadership spaces created a vacuum that has not been fully filled.

To many residents, Prince Kibanzanga is not merely a politician. He is regarded as a political icon whose identity is closely tied to the pride and aspirations of Bughendera. His royal connection to Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu further strengthens his influence among ordinary citizens who view him as both a cultural and political symbol of the Bakonzo people in Bughendera. His supporters believe that bringing him back into national leadership would restore the strong voice that Bughendera once had in Uganda’s political landscape.

As cabinet discussions continue behind closed doors, the Rwenzori region remains watchful. Whether the President chooses experienced veterans, emerging voices, or attempts to balance tribal and political interests, one thing remains clear: the people of Kasese and Bundibugyo want leaders who genuinely represent their voices, struggles, and identity.

Many people also believe that the younger political firebrands enjoy massive support among youths, Gen Z, and women across the Rwenzori region. If President Museveni wants to win over the younger generation and women, who make up a huge percentage of the population, then Marylin Kabugho in Kasese and Kapalaya Donna Kamuli in Bundibugyo could become some of the strongest options for cabinet consideration.