By Ben Musanje
A sense of surprise, gratitude and transition has swept through Uganda’s political and academic circles following the appointment of Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, as Minister of State for Internal Affairs in a Cabinet reshuffle announced by President Yoweri Museveni.
Dr. Muganga, a Canada-trained academic and one of Uganda’s most prominent higher education reform advocates, responded with a heartfelt message of appreciation, describing the appointment as both “a great honour” and a deeply humbling responsibility.
“With a grateful heart, I sincerely thank His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni for appointing me Minister of State for Internal Affairs. It is an honour I do not take lightly,” Muganga said. “Behind this appointment stand the hopes of millions of Ugandans, the safety of our communities, and the future of a country that continues to grow stronger.”
His elevation to Cabinet marks a striking transition from university leadership to one of government’s most sensitive portfolios, overseeing immigration, citizenship, national identification systems, prisons, and internal security coordination.
At City Tycoon Sudir Ruparelia’s Victoria University, where he has served as Vice Chancellor, Muganga built a reputation as a bold reformer. He championed digital learning, artificial intelligence integration, and skills-based education, helping reposition the institution as one of Uganda’s most visible private universities. His outspoken advocacy for aligning education with labour market needs earned him both praise and debate within academic circles.
In his statement, Muganga emphasized humility and service as guiding principles for his new role.
“I step into this role with humility, with a deep sense of duty, and with a strong desire to serve well,” he said. “My focus will be simple and clear: to help keep our people safe, to protect peace in our country, and to serve Uganda with all the energy and care I have.”
Political analysts have described his appointment as part of a broader reshuffle aimed at injecting technocratic and youthful energy into government. The reshuffle also saw changes in key ministries, including the Foreign Affairs docket and internal security leadership structures.
One of the most closely watched developments was the exit of long-serving military figure Gen. David Muhoozi from Cabinet, alongside the reassignment of senior officials across security and governance ministries. The Internal Affairs docket itself has historically been central to Uganda’s security and administrative architecture.
The reshuffle also affected Rtd Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, who had been serving as Minister of Internal Affairs before being reassigned to the Ministry of Water and Environment. He was replaced by Ephraim Kamuntu, marking further changes in the security and governance chain.
For Muganga, the transition from academia to national security leadership reflects a growing trend of professionals moving into government roles traditionally dominated by political and military figures. His supporters say his experience in digital transformation and youth engagement could bring a modernized approach to internal administration.
Meanwhile, outgoing State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Baluku Kiime Kabbyanga, delivered an emotional farewell message after five years in office, expressing gratitude to President Museveni for the opportunity to serve.
“I take this moment with deep humility and gratitude to profoundly thank H.E. the President for the trust and opportunity to serve,” Kabbyanga said. “Every assignment was a chance to learn, serve, and put the NRM vision into practice.”
During his tenure, Kabbyanga was involved in government efforts to expand digital communication systems, improve access to information, and strengthen national guidance programmes.
He pledged continued loyalty to the ruling establishment, saying he remains “a committed cadre ready for any deployment in service to our country.”
He has since been replaced by Alioni Yorke Odria, who is expected to steer the ICT and National Guidance ministry into a new phase focused on digital transformation and communication strategy.
As Uganda ushers in this new Cabinet lineup, Muganga’s journey from university lecture halls to the corridors of internal security stands out as one of the reshuffle’s most unexpected and closely watched developments—symbolizing both continuity and change in the country’s evolving governance landscape. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
