The new cabinet of President Museveni’s fourth term is starting to take shape. President Yoweri Museveni has told the National Resistance Movement Caucus meeting at Entebbe State House that he has appointed Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi as the Vice President and John Patrick Amama Mbabazi as the Prime Minister.

Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi

The news will be a great lift for the two men as Ssekandi who has been the Speaker of Parliament climbs from number 3 to number two in the country’s ranking of most important person.  Mbabazi who has been the Minister of Security will also now be at higher position of number 5 in the country and leader of government business.

It is not yet clear whether and where current Vice President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya who has been in the seat since 2003, and current Prime Minister Prof. Apollo Nsibambi will be deployed.

While Ssekandi has for long been rumoured to be the chosen one for the VP job, many will be surprised that Amama Mbabazi, the NRM Secretary General tainted by the Temangalo scandal was chosen to be the Prime Minister. But it will be an appreciated reward for a man who is described as loyal to the NRM and Museveni, clever and hardworking.

The Vice President and Prime Minister will be approved by Parliament while Ministers will be vetted and approved by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee headed by the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga.

The full list of the new cabinet is expected soon.