afrol News, 17 February - Uganda's opposition has bitterly criticised a new cabinet reshuffle that also brings on board president Yoweri Museveni's wife, Janet, as the new junior minister.

President Museveni has made his wife a junior minister for the Karamoja region, in what is believed to be the First Lady's Valentine's present from the President.

The cabinet reshuffle which has also shown the door to Finance Minister, Ezra Suruma, has also created a position for Mr Museveni's brother, Caleb Akandwanaho, who will become senior presidential adviser on defense.

Uganda's opposition has criticised the new posts saying it was a clear indication that the president was securing his position in power by bring close relatives into government controls. Mr Museveni's son, Lieutenant Colonel Muhoozi Kaneirugaba, is also commander of the country’s Special Forces.

Once revered as Africa's most progressive leader, Mr Museveni turned the tables in 2006 when he pushed for a contitutional change to allow him stand for a third term.

Brought to power in the 1986 military coup, Mr Museveni has since been at the helm, having won the 1996 multiparty elections and a second term in 2001, before the current constitutional change reelection.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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