Kampala, Uganda | H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed former Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero as the Government Chief Whip for the 2026–2031 term, placing one of the country’s most experienced Cabinet members at the centre of government business in Parliament.
Dr. Aceng welcomed the appointment, expressing gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in her and pledging to serve with dedication.
“I am humbled by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s trust in redeploying me as Government Chief Whip for 2026–2031. I commit to no sleep, disciplined service and unity in the House,” she posted on her official X account.
The appointment was announced following changes to the Cabinet list earlier submitted to Parliament for approval.
Aceng’s redeployment sees her transition from the health sector, where she served as Minister of Health for nearly a decade, to a strategic political role tasked with coordinating government business in Parliament.
During her tenure at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Aceng oversaw Uganda’s response to major public health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola outbreaks.
Before joining Cabinet in 2016, she served as Director General of Health Services and previously held senior management positions at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
As Government Chief Whip, Aceng will be responsible for mobilising support for government programmes and legislation, ensuring party discipline among ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) legislators, and coordinating the government’s agenda in the House.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen the Executive’s engagement with Parliament as the government embarks on implementing its priorities for the new term.
Political observers say her extensive experience in public service and government administration positions her well to navigate the demands of the influential parliamentary role.
Aceng joins the leadership of the 12th Parliament with a promise of discipline, hard work and unity, signalling her readiness to champion the government’s legislative agenda in the years ahead.
