Museveni Announces Major Reshuffle in Uganda's Public Service

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has made significant changes in the country's public service leadership, appointing 13 new Permanent Secretaries, retaining 16 officials, redeploying 11 others, and retiring 11 Permanent Secretaries. The changes, announced on Monday, November 9, 2026, affect several key government ministries, commissions, and institutions. These include the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Works and Transport, and Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

According to the announcement, 16 senior officials have been retained in their existing positions, maintaining continuity in several strategic government institutions. Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye continues as Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, alongside Dr. Mary T. Wenene, who remains Deputy Head of Public Service and Deputy Secretary to Cabinet. Other senior officials retained include Jane Mwesiga Kyarisiima, Jane Barekye, Gloria Asio Omaswa, Yunus Kakande, Eng. Irene P. Bateebe, Dr. Diana Atwiine, Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, Robert Kasande, Dr. Kedrace T. Rwankore Turyagyenda, and Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi.

In addition to the appointments and retentions, 11 officials have been retained in public service but redeployed to different government offices and institutions. Doreen Silver Katusiime has been redeployed to the Judiciary, while Bagiire Vincent Waiswa moves to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. Catherine Birakwate Musingwiire has been assigned to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and Benjamin Kumumanya moves to the Judicial Service Commission.

The reshuffle also introduces 13 new officials to senior positions across government, bringing fresh leadership into several ministries and public institutions. Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga has been appointed to the Office of the Prime Minister, while Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho takes over at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. Aggrey Wunyi has been appointed to the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, and Mark Sseremba will serve at the Ministry of Public Service.

Other appointments include Kenneth Akiri at the Ministry of Water and Environment, Barbara Namugambe at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Charles Ssentongo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Maureen Kasande at the Inspectorate of Government. Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire has been appointed to the Ministry of Works and Transport, and Edith Butuuro has been appointed to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

President Museveni cited Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution as the basis for the appointment, retention, and redeployment of Permanent Secretaries and other senior public officers. The President also cited Articles 99 and 172(1)(a) of the Constitution as the legal basis for the retirement decisions of 11 Permanent Secretaries, including Hon. Adolf Mwesige Kasaija, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, and Dr. Rose Nassali Lukwago.

The changes are expected to bring new leadership and dynamism to Uganda's public service. Key positions and appointees include Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga to the Office of the Prime Minister, Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho to the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, and Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire to the Ministry of Works and Transport.

Key points

• President Museveni appoints 13 new Permanent Secretaries in a major reshuffle of Uganda's public service.
• 16 officials are retained in their current positions, while 11 are redeployed to different government offices.
• 11 Permanent Secretaries are retired, with the President citing Articles 99 and 172(1)(a) of the Constitution as the basis for the decisions.