The Minister of Information and National Guidance, Hon. Dr Chris Baryomunsi, has once again moved to shut down political speculation and online narratives surrounding his future in government, firmly dismissing remarks attributed to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which suggested that the Kinkiizi East Member of Parliament would not be reappointed to Cabinet during the next reshuffle expected in May.
The comments, which have circulated widely on social media and sparked intense public debate, were interpreted by many as a direct political threat aimed at undermining Baryomunsi’s standing within government and the ruling establishment, particularly given the senior military and advisory role held by Gen Kainerugaba.
However, Baryomunsi has responded with visible calm and defiance, making it clear that political noise, public insults, and speculative threats do not determine his sense of purpose, legitimacy, or contribution to public service.
Speaking during an interview with journalist Solomon Serwanja, the minister underscored that his political journey has never revolved around Cabinet positions, stressing instead that his primary and only sought-after mandate is the one given to him by the people who elected him into Parliament.
Baryomunsi said his focus has always been serving as an elected representative, a responsibility he considers both meaningful and sufficient in itself, regardless of whether additional appointments come his way or not.
“The position I have looked for is that of MP Kinkiizi East, which thankfully the voters have granted me,” Baryomunsi said.
He went on to emphasize that everything beyond that electoral mandate falls outside his personal control and remains entirely at the discretion of the appointing authority.
“All of these extra responsibilities which come are at the discretion of the president.”
The minister stressed that at no point in his political career has he lobbied, begged, or schemed for a Cabinet position, making it clear that such roles are neither a right nor a permanent entitlement, but temporary assignments that can be granted or withdrawn at any time.
He added that he would not lose sleep over the possibility of being dropped from Cabinet, arguing that political office should never be confused with personal worth, survival, or divine favour.
According to Baryomunsi, ministerial appointments are opportunities to serve rather than rewards to be protected, insisting that leaders should approach such roles with humility and preparedness for their eventual end.
“If the President chooses to appoint you and give you responsibility, well and good. If he doesn’t, I take no offence,” he said.
“I only pray for good health so that God doesn’t take me early.”
Baryomunsi further reflected on the broader meaning of life beyond political office, reminding the public that millions of Ugandans live productive, dignified, and fulfilling lives without ever holding a single political title.
He warned against the dangerous mindset that equates political power with success, survival, or relevance, describing it as a shallow and misleading way of understanding leadership and personal achievement.
“So, to think that I should have a sleepless night because they might drop me…the only thing I pray for is good health so that God doesn’t take me early Otherwise, even if I lost the MP seat, I have a home in Kampala; I have a home in Kanungu. I have a family”
The minister went even further, challenging Ugandans to reflect honestly on the reality of ordinary life outside Parliament and Cabinet, arguing that political office is the exception, not the rule.
He added, “All of you are not in parliament. Are you not surviving? Uganda has 46 million Ugandans. Are all of them ministers or MPs? So, people should not take these political positions we hold as if they are heavenly. That if you are a minister, you are on top of everything, you have conquered the world. 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.”
These remarks follow a tense and highly publicized exchange on X on the night of February 3, 2026, an exchange that exposed deep political fault lines and reignited debate about discipline, communication, and authority within government.
During that exchange, Gen Kainerugaba, who also serves as Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, publicly described Baryomunsi as a “traitor” and went on to declare that he would not return to Cabinet, a statement that immediately drew widespread attention and controversy.
The comments sparked questions about the boundaries between personal opinion and official authority, especially given the influential positions held by both figures within the state structure.
In response to the attack, Baryomunsi said he rose from “obscurity” through ability rather than favours, firmly rejecting the idea that his political career was built on patronage or protection.
He maintained that being a minister is not the ultimate measure of success, credibility, or contribution to the country, insisting that leadership and service can exist far beyond Cabinet rooms.
The disagreement traces back to earlier remarks by Baryomunsi in which he stated that the Chief of Defence Forces does not speak on behalf of the government, a clarification he said was necessary to preserve institutional order.
At the time, he described Gen Kainerugaba’s social media posts as personal and unofficial, a position that appears to have triggered the public fallout between the two leaders.
While acknowledging that such statements complicate his work as government spokesperson and expose him to political backlash, Baryomunsi maintained that his duty is to truth, clarity, and institutional responsibility.
He concluded by reiterating that serving Uganda goes far beyond holding a Cabinet seat, noting that countless citizens contribute to national development daily without recognition, titles, or political power.
And as the political storm continues to rage online and offline, Baryomunsi’s message remains unchanged: positions come and go, power is temporary, and life — with or without politics — must go on.
