TAKEAWAYS

• Mubarak Munyagwa dismissed rumours linking him to Museveni’s next cabinet.
• He said becoming a State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs would insult his political legacy.
• Munyagwa also denied being invited to Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony at Kololo.

Former presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa has laughed off reports linking him to a possible appointment in President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s next cabinet.

Rumours had been circulating that Munyagwa was being considered for the position of State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, a role currently held by Balaam Barugahara, as reports suggest changes could be made in the new cabinet lineup.

Speaking during an interview on Sanyuka TV, Munyagwa dismissed the claims and described the alleged appointment as disrespectful to his political journey and achievements.

“How can I be reduced to a State Minister for Children after everything I have achieved in politics? That would be an insult to my legacy,” Munyagwa said.

The president of the Common Man’s Party went on to highlight his political résumé, noting that he has served as Member of Parliament for Kawempe South, Mayor of Kawempe Division, chairman of the COSASE committee in Parliament, and also contested for the presidency.

According to Munyagwa, accepting such a junior ministerial role would amount to being politically downgraded.

“I have held major leadership positions in this country. Giving me such a post would simply be trampling on my record,” he added.

Munyagwa also denied reports that he had been invited to attend President Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds, insisting that he never received an invitation card.

He further stated that even if he had been invited, he would not have attended the event. Munyagwa accused the ruling National Resistance Movement of no longer valuing opposition voices, saying the party has spent too long in power and become arrogant.

President Museveni was sworn in for his seventh term yesterday in a ceremony attended by thousands of Ugandans, foreign dignitaries, and several African heads of state.