“I call upon members who have challenges in the party and those with different views to attend the retreat to present all their views and challenges. Here we dont fear different views because we have the brains to resolve issues,” Mao said.

"I see people on social media saying that I promised them a transition and asking how it has not happened. Firstly, you don't believe in me. You don't believe in cooperation, yet at the same time you ask, 'Why are you not doing this?’ During the speakership race, you saw that NRM said that I'm not NRM. I think the speakership race answered that big question," Mao noted.

“Museveni has been speaking about democracy, but where is that democracy he speaks of if he can't tolerate those who criticise his government? What is happening in villages undermines the same democracy he talks about,” Ssenyonyi said.

"This milestone reflects our shared commitment to wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women who have sacrificed greatly in service to our nation," Kiwanuka said.

Uganda will co-host the 2027 tournament with Kenya and Tanzania under the East African "Pamoja" bid, the first time AFCON will be staged in the region.

The appointment comes in the absence of a substantive minister and takes immediate effect.