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President Yoweri Museveni has renewed Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi’s contract as Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, underscoring his crucial role in strengthening Uganda’s global engagement ahead of the 2026 elections. The move, announced alongside a wave of key appointments and reappointments, reflects Museveni’s strategy to rely on trusted cadres to uphold the National Resistance Movement’s ideological pillars while sparking debate over the expanding advisory team’s cost.

Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed his confidence in Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi by renewing his contract as Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, emphasizing Walusimbi’s crucial role in enhancing Uganda’s engagement with its global diaspora. Announced on April 25, 2025, the move was part of a broader set of appointments that included naming veteran journalist Tony Owana as Presidential Advisor on NRA Archives, along with the reappointment and appointment of several other advisors. These changes signal a focus on continuity and strategic strengthening within Museveni’s administration.

Ambassador Walusimbi has been pivotal in building stronger connections with Ugandan diaspora communities, promoting investment opportunities, and leading efforts to repatriate migrant workers. His reappointment underscores his effectiveness in shaping diaspora policies that enhance Uganda’s international profile, making him a vital player in Museveni’s strategy to harness diaspora resources ahead of the 2026 elections.

Sources close to the administration cite Walusimbi’s diplomatic acumen and ability to cultivate international networks as key reasons for his continued influence. His role is expected to grow even more significant in the coming political cycle.

The appointments were made under Article 172 of the Constitution and reflect President Museveni’s strategy to lean on seasoned and trusted figures to uphold the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) core pillars: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy.

Here is a detailed list of the new and reappointed advisors and their roles:

• Tony Owana – Presidential Advisor on NRA Archives (New Appointment)
  Veteran journalist tasked with preserving the historical records of the NRM.
• Ruhakana Rugunda – Special Envoy for Special Duties (Reappointed)
  Former Prime Minister continuing in a high-level advisory role.
• Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs (Reappointed)
  Leader of the NRM National Chairman’s Office, spearheading youth mobilization through the “Bazzukulu Ba Museveni” initiative.
• Hajj Abdul Nadduli – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilisation (Reappointed)
  Liberation war veteran focusing on grassroots political engagement.
• Abbey Walusimbi – Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs (Reappointed)
  Leading Uganda’s diaspora engagement, investment promotion, and repatriation initiatives.
• Monica Azuba Ntege – Senior Presidential Advisor (Reappointed, No Specific Portfolio)
  Former Works and Transport Minister continuing to advise broadly.
• Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs (Reappointed)
  Former Justice Minister advising on political strategy.
• Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Kisuule – Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East Affairs (Reappointed)
  Former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia focusing on Middle East relations.
• Maj. Gen. Kiiza Ali (Rtd) – Senior Presidential Advisor on Air Force (Reappointed)
  Former Air Force officer and presidential pilot advising on air force matters.
• David Kenneth Mafabi – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs (Reappointed)
  Longtime advisor specializing in regional integration and civic engagement.
• Richard Muhinda – Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Service Matters (New Appointment)
  Former State House Comptroller and Health Ministry Permanent Secretary advising on public service issues.
• Ssebunya Robert – Senior Presidential Advisor on Buganda Matters (Reappointed)
  Specialist in cultural and regional affairs related to Buganda.
• Lt. Col. Anthony Kyakabale – Senior Presidential Advisor on Reconciliation (New Appointment)
  Returned exile and former rebel commander focused on national reconciliation.
• John Arimpa Kigyagi – Senior Presidential Advisor on Environment (New Appointment)
  Former NRM Electoral Commission deputy chair focusing on climate and sustainability policies.
• Florence Mutyabule – Senior Presidential Advisor on Poverty Alleviation, Busoga Sub-region (Reappointed)
  Former MP leading poverty reduction initiatives in Busoga.
• Dr. Beatrice Wabudeya – Senior Presidential Advisor on Veterinary Services (Reappointed)
  Former Minister for the Presidency advising on veterinary affairs.
• Gertrude Njuba Norah – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Lands (Reappointed)
  Bush war historical advising on political and land matters.
• Lt. Col. Ambako Kibrai – Advisor on Mobilization, RDC Secretariat (Reappointed)
  Focused on mobilization within the Resident District Commissioners’ framework.
• Dr. Ssekiboobo Dan – Advisor on Research, RDC Secretariat (Reappointed)
  Providing research support for RDC operations.
• Mary Kawuma – Political Advisor (Reappointed)
  Continuing in a political advisory role.
• Francis Okello Opio – Political Advisor for Lango Zone (Reappointed)
  Focused on political affairs in the Lango region.
• Luttamaguzi Patrick – Private Secretary, NRA Archives (Reappointed)
  Supporting archival documentation for the NRA.

Ambassador Walusimbi’s renewed mandate stands out as a strategic effort to maintain momentum in diaspora engagement as Uganda heads toward the 2026 elections. His leadership is set to further strengthen Uganda’s international outreach, positioning him firmly within Museveni’s inner circle. The latest appointments reflect Museveni’s reliance on proven cadres to drive grassroots mobilization, preserve historical continuity, and promote the NRM’s ideological values, even as questions arise regarding the financial burden of an expanding advisory team.