The outgoing State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem has expressed disappointment after being dropped from cabinet by President Yoweri Museveni in latest cabinet reshuffle.
Oryem, who has served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2004, was among two ministers from the Acholi sub-region left out in the latest reshuffle.
In the new appointments, he was replaced by Calvin Echodu. Kenneth Omona, the former State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation was also dropped and has since been appointed ambassador and replaced by Beatrice Akello Akori.
Speaking to Favour fm in an exclusive interview yesterday, Oryem admitted he was saddened by the decision but thanked President Museveni for entrusting him with one of the country’s most sensitive portfolios for more than 20 years.
Despite his cabinet exit, Oryem says he remains ready to continue serving the country in any capacity, including international diplomacy, consultancy and other government assignments, noting that he is also a trained lawyer.
President Museveni’s latest cabinet reshuffle retained several ministers while introducing new faces and dropping others in what political analysts see as part of a broader government re-organisation ahead of the 2026–2031 political cycle.
Among those from Acholi who retained cabinet positions are Hillary Onek, who was reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of General Duties from the Ministry of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, and Norbert Mao, who retained the Justice and Constitutional Affairs docket.
Beatrice Atim Anywar, retains her position as the state minister for Water and Environment while Lillian Aber retains her position in the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees.
The latest reshuffle also saw President Museveni retain several of his long-serving and top-ranking cabinet members.
Among those retained are Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, who continues to serve as Minister of Education and Sports.
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