“There is Life Outside Cabinet”: Minister Baryomunsi Responds to Muhoozi’s Exclusion Threat
Date: February 5, 2026
The Minister of Information and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has publicly dismissed threats from the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who declared the minister would not be reappointed in the next cabinet reshuffle.
The exchange stems from a social media dispute where Gen. Kainerugaba labelled Baryomunsi a “traitor” on February 3, following the minister’s earlier remarks that the CDF does not speak for the government. In an interview with journalist Solomon Serwanja, Baryomunsi shrugged off the significance of the cabinet position, stating his primary mandate is from the voters of Kinkiizi East, who elected him as their Member of Parliament.
“The position I have looked for is that of MP Kinkiizi East, which thankfully the voters have granted me,” Baryomunsi said. “All of these extra responsibilities which come are at the discretion of the president.”
He emphasized that he has never lobbied for a ministerial role and would not lose sleep over potentially losing it. “If the President chooses to appoint you and give you responsibility, well and good. If he doesn’t, I take no offence,” he stated.
Baryomunsi framed his perspective within a broader view of life and service, arguing that political office is not the zenith of existence. He noted that millions of Ugandans lead fulfilling lives without being ministers or MPs.
“So, to think that I should have a sleepless night because they might drop me…the only thing I pray for is good health,” he said, adding that he has a home and family beyond politics. “I am not the first minister. Many ministers have come and gone and I know that time will come and I will no longer be minister.”
The minister concluded that serving Uganda extends far beyond a cabinet portfolio, acknowledging that while such public disagreements make his work harder, national development is driven by citizens in various capacities.
The public spat highlights ongoing tensions within the country’s political landscape, with Baryomunsi positioning his role as one of service rather than entitlement, regardless of the outcome of the expected May reshuffle.
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