Tinotenda Hove – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has dispatched Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga to represent Zimbabwe at the inauguration of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, while moving to consolidate his hold on ZANU PF by appointing former Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Philip Valerio Sibanda to the party’s Politburo.

Chiwenga arrived in Uganda on Monday ahead of Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday. He was accompanied by his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga.

Upon arrival, the Vice President was welcomed by Zimbabwe’s Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Ms Silibaziso Manyonga. Also present to welcome the Vice President was Uganda’s Democratic Party President and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao.

Back home, Mnangagwa appointed Gen Sibanda to the Politburo in a move widely viewed as a calculated step to counterbalance Gen Chiwenga’s influence within the ruling party.

The appointment comes amid ongoing tension between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga over the Constitutional Amendment Bill that seeks to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond 2028.

One political analyst said the timing was deliberate: “By sending Chiwenga to Kampala, Mnangagwa keeps him occupied on external duties while consolidating internal party structures. Bringing in Valerio Sibanda sends a clear message about where loyalty and power are being concentrated.”