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- Dec 16, 2025
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Henry Okello Oryemu, Former minister for Foreign Affairs - image courtesy of Independent Uganda.
Veteran Ugandan diplomat Henry Okello Oryem has expressed disappointment after being left out of President Yoweri Museveni’s newly announced 2026–2031 Cabinet.
Oryem, who had served in the Foreign Affairs docket since 2004, said he was “naturally disappointed like any human being” but thanked Museveni for giving him the rare opportunity to serve in the same ministry for more than two decades.
In the reshuffle, Oryem was replaced by Calvin Echodu, while former State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation Kenneth Omona was also dropped and later appointed ambassador. Beatrice Akello Akori was named to replace Omona.
The outgoing minister described his tenure as a privilege that enabled him to represent Uganda at the United Nations, African Union and European Union, among other international engagements. He also said he remains available to serve Uganda in other capacities, including diplomacy and consultancy.
Oryem’s removal marks the end of one of Uganda’s longest-serving ministerial careers in foreign affairs. Political analysts have described his long stay in Cabinet as symbolic, especially given that he is the son of former Ugandan president Tito Okello.
Daily Monitor UG
