By Agather Atuhaire
KAMPALA
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has sacked his Prime Minister Patrick Amama Mbabazi and installed Health Minister Ruhakana Rugunda in his place.
"By virtue of the powers vested in the President of the republic of Uganda by article 108A (1) of the constitution of the republic of Uganda, I have, with immediate effect, decided to appoint Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda as the new Prime Minister of Uganda," Museveni said in a letter to Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
Museveni said that he has forwarded the name of the new Premier to parliament for approval.
"I thank the Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi for the contribution he has made to this country," Museveni said.
A government spokesperson, however, denied that the whole cabinet will be reshuffled.
"The changes made only affect the position of the Prime Minister," government deputy spokesperson Ofwono Opondo told Anadolu Agency.
When asked if Mbabazi has been posted elsewhere, the spokesperson said that "I said he has been dropped."
Opondo said President Museveni is yet to rename Rugunda's replacement in the health ministry.
"The ministers of state in the ministry will be acting for now," he said.
Mbabazi is expected to make a statement about his sacking soon, his press secretary Josephine Mayanja said.
Museveni fell out with Mbabazi after reports that the latter has been campaigning to stand against him in the 2016 general elections.
Mbabazi, however, has denied harboring any presidential ambitions.
Mbabazi was named a prime minister in 2011, replacing former premier Apollo Nsibambi. He had also served as security minister before being appointed prime minister and has also been National Resistance Movement party Secretary General since 2005.
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