John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, Jacob Oulanyah and Alfonse Owiny-Dollo will be the three most important and powerful men in President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s sixth term government, sources close to the making, vetting and deal sealing for the new government have told Pearl Times News.
Sources say Mbabazi, the former prime minister and 2016 presidential candidate, has overtaken competitors such as Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga in the race for the vice president job.
A lot of lobbying is said to be taking place, with Museveni’s younger brother Gen Caleb Akandwanaho aka Salim Saleh a very busy man these days.
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As his return to government becomes increasingly likely, Mbabazi could be the second most powerful man in the land – at least in official hierarchy.
“That is if nothing changes,” a source familiar with the making of the new cabinet added.
Mbabazi is also rumored to be under consideration for the Prime Minister role.
Jacob Oulanyah
After delivering northern Uganda for the NRM, Oulanyah is said to be enjoying a slight majority among members of the ruling NRM party CEC which will choose a candidate for the 11th speaker election at the weekend.
“Some people will be surprised at how Oulanyah will perform in CEC,” a source who preferred not to be named in this story said.
“Just know a lot is being done to ensure that Oulanyah goes through.”
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The source added that the NRM was also planning tough sanctions against party MPs who refused to vote Oulanyah once CEC endorses him.
With Mbabazi back to serve as VP, Oulanyah in as speaker and head of the legislative arm of government, and Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo reigning as head of the judiciary, our sources seemed to agree, Museveni was putting together a powerful trinity of allies he was comfortable working with.
