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Dr. Chris Baryomunsi once revealed a private moment that surprised many Ugandans. Speaking during a popular radio talk show, he shared how he directly questioned President Yoweri Museveni over remarks that described Cabinet ministers as “fishermen and fisherwomen.”
His story quickly caught public attention because it showed a rare situation where a serving minister openly challenged the appointing authority.
Baryomunsi explained that the issue had disturbed him for some time. He felt uncomfortable with the way the President often told citizens that his Cabinet was made up of “abavubi,” a word that means fishermen. To him, the description sounded like it lowered the image of ministers and made their work look less serious than it truly is.
According to Baryomunsi, he decided not to remain silent. During a private engagement with the President, he courageously asked why he and other ministers were being referred to in that manner.
He wanted to understand the meaning behind the words and whether they were meant to describe their level of education, professionalism, or approach to leadership.
The President, he said, responded calmly and explained his thinking. Museveni reportedly told him that he deliberately preferred to have leaders who are like fishermen and fisherwomen.
In his view, such people are simple, practical, and closely connected to ordinary citizens rather than being too elite or detached from reality.
However, Museveni also made a special distinction. He told Baryomunsi that he personally was not among the “fishermen.” Instead, the President compared him to Luke in the Bible, who was a professional person among Jesus’s disciples, many of whom were fishermen. This comparison seemed to set Baryomunsi apart as someone with a different background.
Baryomunsi said this clarification gave him some comfort, but it did not completely remove his concerns. He made it clear to the President that he did not want to be associated with mediocrity. To him, the word “fishermen” could be misunderstood as meaning leaders who are not well prepared or who do not meet high professional standards.
He emphasized that he has always believed in high standards in leadership. Whether in Cabinet or in other political organs, he said he tries to push for performance, seriousness, and professionalism. He does not like doing things halfway or accepting weak systems.
The minister also revealed that this attitude has not always made him popular. He said that by insisting on high standards, he may have stepped on the toes of some powerful people within the ruling party structures. Some, he believes, may see his approach as being too strict or too demanding.
Baryomunsi mentioned that even within the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the NRM, he tried to maintain strong principles. But later, he started noticing resistance. He believes that some individuals who disliked his style may have worked behind the scenes against him.
He spoke openly about the possibility that these internal disagreements contributed to him losing his position in CEC. According to him, politics is not always about performance alone. Sometimes personal interests, alliances, and rivalries play a big role in who stays in certain positions.
Despite this, Baryomunsi sounded calm and prepared for whatever comes next. He said he understands that not everyone can be a minister or Member of Parliament at all times. Leadership positions change, and one must be ready to serve in different ways or even step aside.
He stated that he is willing to pay the price for his personal views. If speaking his mind and demanding high standards leads to misunderstandings or loss of office, he appears ready to accept that outcome. For him, principles seem to matter more than titles.
Listeners of the program felt that he spoke like a man who had already sensed political changes ahead. Uganda was approaching a time when a new government line-up was expected, and many were watching to see who would remain in Cabinet and who would be left out.
His remarks created discussion about the culture within top leadership. Some people praised him for being honest and brave enough to raise concerns directly with the President. Others wondered whether such openness could cost him politically.
The story also highlighted the way language used by leaders can shape public perception. When a President describes his ministers using simple or symbolic terms, citizens may interpret those words in different ways. Some may see humility, while others may see an insult.
Baryomunsi’s reaction shows how sensitive such descriptions can be. Leaders often want to be seen as capable, educated, and effective. Being labeled in a way that suggests otherwise can create discomfort, especially for those who have worked hard to build professional reputations.
At the same time, the President’s explanation points to another side of leadership. Museveni has often spoken about valuing leaders who are connected to the grassroots and understand the struggles of ordinary people. In that sense, the “fishermen” image may have been meant to praise simplicity and closeness to the people.
This incident gives a rare look into the private conversations that sometimes happen at the highest levels of power. It reminds citizens that even top leaders have disagreements and moments of tension, just like in any workplace.
It also shows the human side of politics. Behind official speeches and public events are personal feelings, pride, and the desire for respect. Ministers, like anyone else, want their work to be recognized and valued properly.
In the end, Baryomunsi’s story is about courage, standards, and identity in leadership.
Whether one agrees with him or not, his decision to speak up reflects the complex balance between loyalty to authority and standing by one’s personal beliefs in Uganda’s political landscape.
