Henry Okello Oryem, Uganda’s longest-serving State Minister for Foreign Affairs, has said he is disappointed but grateful after being left out of the new cabinet.
Oryem accepted his removal with gratitude, noting that President Museveni had given him an opportunity no one else had received.
“Naturally, I’m disappointed like any human being,” Oryem said. He added that having served in the same docket since 2004, he was “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 also commented on shifting political attitudes in Northern Uganda, saying support for the NRM had changed “tremendously.” His message to the region was to remain patient and tolerant as the changes take hold.
He spoke shortly after the announcement of the new cabinet lineup. He was replaced by Amb. Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
The veteran diplomat described his tenure as a rare opportunity that enabled him to represent Uganda on the global stage and engage with world leaders across continents.
According to Oryem, the role allowed him to promote and protect Uganda’s interests in engagements at the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, and through various bilateral diplomatic missions.
He also defended his diplomatic legacy, saying he had built strong international networks and enhanced Uganda’s image abroad during his years in office.
President Museveni’s latest cabinet reshuffle retained several ministers while introducing new faces and dropping others. Political analysts see it as part of a broader government re-organisation ahead of the 2026–2031 political cycle.
