Tooro Kingdom Unveils Bold Cabinet Overhaul Under New King
FORT PORTAL, Uganda — Tooro Kingdom announced a sweeping cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, October 15, 2026.
Additionally, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I moves to reshape the institution’s administration less than three weeks after his coronation.
Interim Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki revealed the new team at Muchwa Kingdom Headquarters.
Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I announced changes that drop up to 10 officials and create new ministries.
The changes reduce the number of deputy prime ministers from three to two.
They also reorganize key portfolios to improve coordination, accountability, and service delivery.
Among those dropped are former Deputy Prime Ministers Henry Basaliza, previously in charge of Foreign Affairs and Inter-Kingdom Cooperation, and Harriet Nyakake, who handled Culture. Also removed were Education and Sports Minister Francis Divine Kateeba and Tourism Minister Joan Kantu Else.
In the new structure, Elasto Kasoro Akiiki becomes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Culture and Local Government. Dr. Beyeza Abwooli takes the second deputy premiership and will also serve as the king’s health adviser.
New ministries include Youth Affairs, headed by Nicholas Mugume Amooti. Information and Communication Technology, led by Makerere University lecturer Dr. Drake Mirembe Apuuli. Security and Palace Affairs under Samuel Nyabongo Kimoome Akiiki. Gender, with Victoria Rusoke as minister. Foreign Affairs has been elevated to a standalone portfolio under Evelyn Bright Adyeri.
Other key appointments include Richard Rwabwogo Apuuli as Attorney General, Dr. Richard Mugahi Adyeri as Minister of Health, Lucia Alinda Amooti as Minister of Education and Sports, Herman Olimi Adyeri as Minister of Tourism, and Vincent Mugume Araali as Kingdom Spokesperson. The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Resource Mobilization remains vacant for now.
As interim prime minister for a six-month transitional period, he said the reshuffle aims to eliminate overlapping responsibilities.
It also seeks to strengthen unity as the kingdom implements the new monarch’s reform agenda.
“The kingdom cannot afford internal divisions at a time when expectations are high,” he noted.
The appointments come as Tooro continues its transition after the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27. Nyabongo I’s coronation on September 29 at Karuziika Palace followed. The new king, a former news anchor, has already retained Charles Kayondo Kamurasi as head of the Babiito royal clan and signaled priorities that include clearing staff arrears, youth empowerment, agriculture, and cultural programs.
The kingdom is also set to resume its suspended Amasaza tournament this weekend. The new Omukama is expected to officiate the final later this month.
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