‘Losing My Ministerial Job Hurt Me Deeply, Not With The President!’ Okello Oryem Opens Up on Heartbreak After Museveni Dropped Him From Cabinet

Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem has revealed the emotional pain he experienced after being left out of President Yoweri Museveni’s latest Cabinet, admitting that losing his government position was a difficult moment in his political career.

Speaking during an interview with NTV Uganda, Oryem explained that his disappointment stemmed from losing a job he had held for many years rather than any personal resentment towards Museveni. He maintained that he continued to respect the President and understood that appointing Cabinet ministers was entirely within the Head of State’s authority.

Oryem candidly admitted that he had hoped to remain in government and was saddened when his name failed to appear on the new Cabinet list. He explained that losing a position after years of service naturally comes with emotional challenges, especially when one still feels prepared and willing to continue serving the country.

The former minister disclosed that he had repeatedly appealed to Museveni to retain him in government, particularly during the President’s visits to his constituency and election campaign engagements. According to Oryem, he had made his desire to continue serving known to the President on numerous occasions over the years.

“Let me tell you a secret. Do you know how many times I have told President Museveni, year after year after year, to keep me in government?” Oryem remarked during the interview, revealing the extent of his efforts to remain part of the administration.

He further explained that he would have been comfortable continuing as State Minister for Foreign Affairs instead of seeking promotion to a senior Cabinet position. Oryem indicated that he was more interested in retaining his role in government than pursuing a higher title, adding that the benefits associated with the two positions were broadly similar.

Oryem was among the senior government officials dropped when Museveni announced his new Cabinet in May 2026. His departure marked the end of a lengthy period in the foreign affairs docket, during which he served in different ministerial capacities and became a familiar figure in Uganda’s diplomatic engagements.

Despite the personal disappointment, Oryem insisted that he did not blame Museveni for the decision, acknowledging the President’s authority to determine who serves in his government. His remarks offer a glimpse into the emotional realities of political life, where years of service and personal expectations do not always guarantee continued appointment.