TOP STORY: Museveni Reappoints Rugunda, Walusimbi, Namyalo As Senior Advisors
Kampala (U)
April 25, 2025.
His Excellency President Museveni, has exercised his mandate under Article 172 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda to reappoint and appoint advisors on various duties.
The latest list of Advisors indicates that, President Museveni still has so much trust in the appointees.
Those reappointed include the most affable Ex-Premier, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, as Special Envoy for Special Duties (President’s Office).
Also on the list is the influential Abbey Walusimbi, who has been retained as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs & Ambassador at Large (Grade 1).
Walusimbi
Ambassador Walusimbi, who doubles as NRM Diaspora League Chairperson, is charged with a responsibility of monitoring and streamlining the labour externalization industry, for benefit of both the migrant workers and Uganda’s economic growth. He is credited for repatriating over 200 distraught Ugandan migrant workers, scouting for international opportunities for skilled youth, and attracting numerous development partners.
The vibrant Hajjat Hadija Namyalo Uzeiye, the Head of Office of NRM National Chairman, has been retained as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs. From rallying Uganda’s youth under the banner of the Bazzukulu Ba Museveni (Museveni’s grandchildren), to reshaping perceptions of the NRM in opposition strongholds, Hajjat Hadijah has emerged as a formidable political force in her own right in addition to giving the ONC relevance and rallying young people to actively participate in socio-economic transformation.
Hajjati Hadijah Namyalo, ONC manager
In the same spirit, the President has retained but also promoted Phionah Barungi from Senior Presidential Assistant to Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties. She has been rewarded for her tremendous effort in combating land grabbing, a chronic problem affecting many Ugandans.
Interestingly, the fountain of honour has also renewed his trust in the former Makerere University History Professor, Fred Tanga Odoi, as the ruling party’s Electoral Commission Chairman, to steer it through the forthcoming internal elections.
Ephraim Kamuntu, former Justice & Constitutional Affairs Minister, is the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, whereas former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Kisuule, is the Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East Affairs.
Kiiza Ali, a retired Ugandan Major General, in the UPDF Air Force, will serve as a Senior Presidential Advisor on Air Force. Prior to this, he served as the chief pilot to six Heads of State in the Government of Uganda, from 1973 until 2012.
Mafabi David Kenneth, urgably the longest serving advisor, has been retained as Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs. His desire for deeper and fundamental African unity and integration, as well as, being a major link between citizens and the government is truly unmatched.
The President has also re-appointed the vocal and former Minister without Portfolio, Hajji Abdul Nadduli, and will continue to advise on political mobilisation matters.
Tony Owana, is the Presidential Advisor on NRA Archives. He is referred by many as Uganda’s most experienced and history-knowledgeable journalist, because of his ability to keep many old newspaper cuttings.
Richard Muhinda, a former State House Comptroller and Permanent Secretary of Health Ministry, has been reppointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Service Matters.
Ssebunya Robert, also retained as Senior Presidential Advisor on Buganda Matters. The experienced elder has strongly rooted for cultural history documentation.
Lt. Col. Anthony Kyakabale is the Senior Presidential Advisor (Reconciliation). He went into exile in 2001, returning home from Sweden in March 2021. Immediately, he associated with the ruling government, and drummed up Kigezi support for President Museveni during the previous general elections.
John Arimpa Kigyagi, is the Senior Presidential Advisor on Environment. He is a result oriented, determined, pro-active former NRM Deputy Electoral Commission chairman, has been a vibrant advocate for action on environmental issues and climate change.
Others:
Florence Mutyabule, former MP & distinguished professional teacher, has been retained as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Poverty Alleviation (Busoga Sub-region).
Monica Azuba Ntege, former Works Minister, has been retained Senior Presidential Advisor.
Dr. Wabudeya Beatrice, former Presidency Minister, is Senior Presidential Advisor on Veterinary Services.
Nakayenga Resty Kiguli, has been elevated to Senior Presidential Advisor Under Priveleged Youth.
Gertrude Njuba Norah, a bush war veteran is Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs/Lands, while Brig. Jacob Asiimwe, is the Senior Presidential Assistant on Political Affairs.
Lt. Col. Ambako Kibrai, is Senior Presidential Advisor on Mobilization, Resident District Commissioners’ Secretariat.
Dr. Ssekiboobo Dan, is Senior Presidential Advisor on Research, Resident District Commissioners’ Secretariat.
Kawuma Mary, also retained as a Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Okello Opio Francis, is the Senior Presidential Advisor (Lango Zone), and Luttamaguzi Patrick will be Private Secretary (NRA Archives).
The above, among others, have been retained and reappointed to serve in their respective capacities. They are charged with implementing and representing the four core principles of NRM: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic transformation and Democracy.
