Museveni Appoints 13 New Permanent Secretaries in Public Service Reshuffle

President Museveni of Uganda has appointed 13 new senior public officers, redeployed 11, and retained 16 others in their current positions in a reshuffle of Permanent Secretaries and senior government officials. The changes were announced in a presidential communication issued under Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution. This move empowers the President to appoint Permanent Secretaries. The reshuffle affects several government ministries, commissions, and departments.

Among the new appointments, Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho takes over at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, while Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire has been appointed to the Ministry of Works and Transport. Charles Ssentongo has been appointed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Barbara Namugambe to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and Kenneth Akiri to the Ministry of Water and Environment. Other appointments include Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga to the Office of the Prime Minister.

The President has also retained several senior officials in their current positions, including Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye and her deputy, Dr. Mary T. Wenene. Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi remains at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, while Dr. Diana Atwiine retains her position at the Ministry of Health. Eng. Irene P. Bateebe has been retained at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

In addition to the new appointments and retentions, 11 senior officials have been redeployed to different offices. Dr. Aminah Zawedde has been redeployed to the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of Coordination, while Bagiire Vincent Waiswa moves to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. Alex Kakooza has been assigned to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

President Museveni has also retired 11 Permanent Secretaries, including Pius Bigirimana, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, Bageya Waiswa, and Dr. Rose Nassali Lukwago. The retirements were made under Articles 99 and 172(1)(a) of the Constitution. Those retired have been replaced by new appointees or redeployed to other positions.

The appointments, redeployments, and retirements aim to restructure the public service and improve governance in Uganda. According to the President, the decisions were made in exercise of the constitutional powers vested in his office. The changes are expected to bring new leadership and ideas to various government ministries and departments.

Key positions and appointees include Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire at the Ministry of Works and Transport, and Charles Ssentongo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The President's decisions reflect efforts to reorganize and strengthen Uganda's public service.

Key points

• President Museveni appoints 13 new Permanent Secretaries in a public service reshuffle.
• The reshuffle affects several government ministries, commissions, and departments.
• 11 Permanent Secretaries have been retired, and 11 senior officials redeployed.