Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Henry Okello -Oryem has expressed disappointment after being dropped from Cabinet in President Museveni’s latest reshuffle.
Oryem, who served in the Foreign Affairs docket since 2004, was one of two ministers from the Acholi sub-region left out in the shake-up. He was replaced by Calvin Echodu. Kenneth Omona, former State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, was also dropped and appointed ambassador, with Beatrice Akello Akori taking his slot.
Speaking to this reporter on Wednesday, Oryem admitted the decision stung but thanked the President for entrusting him with one of government’s most sensitive portfolios for more than 20 years.
“Well, first of all, naturally, I’m disappointed like any human being. However, having served since 2004 in the same docket, I am highly grateful to His Excellency President Museveni for giving me an opportunity that he has not given anybody else in Uganda to serve in the same portfolio for such a long period,” Oryem said.
The veteran diplomat described his tenure as a rare opportunity to represent Uganda globally and engage with world leaders across continents. He said the role allowed him to promote and protect Uganda’s interests at the UN, African Union, EU, and through bilateral missions, adding that he had built strong international networks and enhanced the country’s image abroad.
Despite leaving Cabinet, Oryem said he remains ready to serve in any capacity, including diplomacy, consultancy, and other government assignments. He is also a trained lawyer.
On concerns from Northern Uganda about limited Cabinet representation despite growing NRM support, Oryem urged residents to remain patient.
“I know that the attitude in Northern Uganda has changed tremendously in supporting the NRM. But my position is, they should be patient, and they should be tolerant,” he said.
He added that Acholi should focus on lobbying for major infrastructure projects and poverty-reduction initiatives rather than concentrating solely on political appointments.
President Museveni’s reshuffle retained several ministers while bringing in new faces. Analysts see it as part of a broader reorganization ahead of the 2026–2031 political cycle.
From Acholi, Hillary Onek was reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister as Minister for General Duties, while Norbert Mao retained Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Beatrice Atim Anywar kept her role as State Minister for Water and Environment, and Lillian Aber remained in the OPM handling Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees.
Reactions in Acholi have been mixed. Some leaders welcomed the appointments, while others said internal NRM divisions and regional balancing shaped the outcome.
Alex Okoya, LCII Chairperson for Labour Line Ward in Gulu City’s Laroo-Pece Division, praised the President for appointing what he called competent leaders. “I want to congratulate the president for dropping and leaving out those who have been a threat to us. Let them continue to be backbenchers, we shall wait for them at voting time and vote them out,” Okoya said.
Arthur Owor, Director of Research and Operations at the Centre for Africa Research, said the reshuffle reflected Museveni’s attempt to balance regional interests with limited Cabinet slots.
“Regardless of whether or not he had failed the election, to me he should have remained in that position. But the national cake is limited, and the President had to grapple with difficult decisions,” Owor said.
He blamed divisions among Acholi leaders for weakening the region’s bargaining power, contrasting it with West Nile, which he said rallied collectively and benefited more.
“We have failed to collectively work together or front our issues. There were already fractures – West Acholi, East Acholi, opposition versus NRM, and old versus new members,” Owor said.
The reshuffle also saw Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, Minister of Education and Sports, retained in their positions