In a significant transition following President Yoweri Museveni’s cabinet reshuffle for the 2026-2031 term, the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology (ICT), and National Guidance held a formal handover ceremony on June 12, 2026. The event marked the departure of outgoing leaders and the arrival of new appointees tasked with driving Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.
Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, a seasoned politician previously serving as Government Chief Whip, was officially welcomed as the new Minister of ICT and National Guidance. She is joined by state ministers, including Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria, who ordered the ministry to develop an app that tracks corruption as part of his maiden speech. The ceremony highlighted continuity, collaboration, and ambitious goals for the sector.
Outgoing Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, who has moved to the Ministry of Health, along with former state ministers Hon. Joyce Ebukuwao and Hon. Kabyanga, received praise for laying a strong foundation. Speeches emphasized their contributions to strengthening the ICT sector’s growth.
Key Highlights from the Ceremony
- Pledges of Support: Sector agencies and staff committed full backing to the new team to implement government priorities, including the President’s tenfold growth strategy for accelerated socio-economic transformation.
- Vision for the Future: The incoming leadership pledged to advance digital transformation, eliminate delays, and position Uganda as a leader in technology, information, communication, and national guidance. Lumumba stressed the need for speed and focus to ensure no other ministry outpaces ICT efforts.
- Anti-Corruption Push: In a notable directive, the new minister called for the development of software tools to track, control, and manage corruption—signaling a strong emphasis on transparency and efficiency.
- Gratitude and Continuity: Dr. Baryomunsi was thanked for his leadership and support during his tenure. The event featured symbolic gestures, including the handover of instruments and documents, underscoring a smooth transition. researchgate.net
Public reactions on social media have been largely positive, with users welcoming the new ministers and urging immediate investment in digital infrastructure to match growing demand in Uganda’s tech sector.This reshuffle reflects President Museveni’s strategy of blending experience with fresh energy across the cabinet. Lumumba’s appointment comes after adjustments to earlier announcements, where she was initially slated for a different role before landing at ICT.
As Uganda pushes toward a fully digital future, the new team’s success will be measured by tangible impacts on connectivity, innovation, and service delivery to citizens.
,){kind=link}