Former speaker Sekandi is new VP and Mbabazi Prime Minister

President Yoweri Museveni has appointed former speaker of parliament Edward Sekandi Vice president and the NRM Secretary General, Amama Mbabazi as the new Prime Minister. Museveni made the announcements at the National Resistance Movement caucus this morning.

Although Sekandi’s appointment was highly expected after he stepped down from the Speaker contest – leaving Rebbeca Kadaga to take the day as new speaker – but Mbabazi’s appointment came as a surprise to some observers. The former Security Minister, however replaces Apollo Nsibambi who had earlier on requested to retire.

But Museveni  told party’s Caucus  that following the appointment,  Mbabazi would resign as Secretary General of party according to Daily monitor.

Mbabazi defeated Trade Minister Kahinda Otafiire, Prof. Elijah Mushemeza and Prof. Gilbert Bukenya – who has been replaced by Ssekandi – in a hotly contested race last year.

But the party amended its constitution in which its SG would not hold another substantive government employment so as to the office concentrate on building the party.

Sekandi’s appointment is  not without questions as he has presided over a parliament that has largely attacked for abdicating from its oversight role often bowing in on the executives’ whims. The new VP’s win of Bukoto county central is also a touchy issue as it is still contested in court.

In other appointments, Finance Minister Syda Bbumba retained her docket as Lands Minister Omara Atubo became the Attorney General replacing Khiddu Makubuya.