President Yoweri Museveni has announced a significant reshuffle of Uganda's public service, nominating 13 new permanent secretaries and other senior officials while dropping several long-serving accounting officers whose contracts had expired. The move, revealed in a statement on Sunday, November 8, signals a major overhaul of the country's administrative leadership.
Constitutional Basis and Next Steps
Invoking Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution, which grants the President authority to appoint permanent secretaries, Museveni emphasized that the nominees must first undergo assessment by the Public Service Commission before their appointments are confirmed. "I have directed the Public Service Commission to assess their suitability for appointment and advise me accordingly," he stated.
Key Nominees and Replacements
Among the notable nominees is Edith Butuuro, currently Undersecretary at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, who is set to replace Rosette Byengoma, a long-serving official. At the Ministry of Works and Transport, Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire has been nominated to take over from Waiswa Bageya, who is retiring.
Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga has been nominated as permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, replacing Alex Kakooza. Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki will head the Office of the President, overseeing Science, Technology and Innovation. Other nominees include Kenneth Akiri for the Ministry of Water and Environment, Barbara Namugambe for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Charles Ssentongo for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
Mark Sseremba has been nominated for the Ministry of Public Service, while Aggrey Wunyi is set to lead the Ministry of East African Community Affairs. Additionally, Museveni nominated Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai to the Public Service Commission, Edward Sengonzi Damulira as Clerk to Parliament, and Maureen Kasande as Secretary to the Inspectorate of Government.
Officials Dropped
The reshuffle has seen several high-profile officials dropped, including Adolf Mwesigye, Clerk to Parliament; Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama of the Ministry of Agriculture; Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi of the Ministry of Water and Environment; Amina Zawedde of the Ministry of ICT; Edith Mwanje of the Ministry of East African Community Affairs; Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwire of the Ministry of Public Service; Waswa Bageya of the Ministry of Works and Transport; Vincent Bageya of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Rose Kafeero, Secretary to the Inspectorate of Government.
Implications for Public Service
This shake-up is expected to bring fresh leadership and possibly new directions in key ministries. The nominations reflect a mix of experienced administrators and new faces, aiming to enhance efficiency and service delivery. As the Public Service Commission begins its assessments, all eyes will be on how these changes shape Uganda's governance landscape.
