Uganda Opposition Names Shadow Cabinet as New Ministers Take Parliamentary Oaths

June 11, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Uganda’s opposition has unveiled a 30-member Shadow Cabinet as newly appointed ministers formally entered Parliament following their approval by the Appointments Committee.

Opposition leader Joel Ssenyonyi named lawmakers assigned to oversee key government portfolios, including Harriet Nakwedde as Deputy Opposition Whip and Shadow Minister for Presidency, Erias Nalukoola as Shadow Attorney General, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo in charge of the security docket, Joseph Ssewungu overseeing defence and veteran affairs, and Eugenia Nassolo handling cooperatives and microfinance issues.

The announcement came on the same day 19 ministers appointed by President Yoweri Museveni took the Oaths of Allegiance and of Member of Parliament during a sitting chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth.

Among those sworn in was Sanjay Tanna, who assumes responsibility for the trade, industry and cooperatives portfolio. Sam Mayanja also took oath as Attorney General, while Kiryowa Kiwanuka assumed the defence docket.

Others sworn in included Balaam Barugahara for local government, Cissy Mulondo as State Minister for Finance, Justine Kasule Lumumba for information, communication technology and national guidance, Monica Musenero for energy and mineral development, and Tom Butime for tourism, wildlife and antiquities.

The ministers join Parliament as ex-officio members, a category that allows participation in parliamentary proceedings without representing constituencies. Under Uganda’s Constitution, ex-officio members cannot vote on matters requiring parliamentary decisions.

Parliamentary rules require ministers appointed from outside the legislature to first take and subscribe to both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament before assuming their seats in the House.

The swearing-in formally authorises the ministers to conduct government business in Parliament, including responding to lawmakers, participating in debates and presenting official matters before the House.

During the ceremony, Speaker Oboth said expectations were high for the trade ministry under Tanna’s leadership, particularly in relation to Uganda’s industrialisation and trade agenda.

The formation of the Shadow Cabinet is provided for under Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, which mandate the Leader of the Opposition to appoint an alternative policy team from opposition lawmakers in consultation with party leadership.