President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled 13 nominees for key Permanent Secretary positions across government, setting the stage for significant changes in the administration of several ministries and public institutions. The announcement covers strategic government offices responsible for public administration, national security, infrastructure, foreign affairs, agriculture, technology and other critical sectors.
The nominations were made in accordance with Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint Permanent Secretaries. Among those selected is Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga, who has been nominated to serve in the Office of the Prime Minister. Maureen Kasande has been designated for the Inspectorate of Government, while Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki has been nominated to serve in the Office of the President, specifically in charge of 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, and Charles Ssentongo for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Professor Stephen Akandwanaho has been selected for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, while Mark Sseremba has been nominated for the Ministry of Public Service and Engineer Flavia Guto Bwire for the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The nominees also include Edith Butuuro for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Aggrey Wunyi for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai for the Public Service Commission, and Edward Sengonzi Damulira as Clerk to Parliament. However, the 13 nominees are not yet officially confirmed in their respective positions.
President Museveni has directed the Public Service Commission to scrutinise the qualifications and suitability of the nominees before submitting its recommendations to him for consideration and formal appointment. The vetting process will determine whether the nominees meet the necessary standards to take up the offices they have been assigned.
Permanent Secretaries are among the most influential officials in Uganda’s public service structure, serving as accounting officers, supervising ministry operations, managing public funds, coordinating government programmes and ensuring that policies approved by government are translated into action. Their responsibilities also place them at the centre of public accountability, financial management and the delivery of essential government services.
The latest nominations are expected to attract attention across the public service, particularly because the selected officials will oversee institutions that play major roles in implementing government priorities. The next move lies with the Public Service Commission, whose assessment and recommendations will determine the fate of the 13 nominees before Museveni makes the final appointments.
Key points
- President Museveni has nominated 13 new Permanent Secretaries across government ministries and institutions.
- The nominees will be vetted by the Public Service Commission before being formally appointed.
- The Permanent Secretaries will oversee institutions that play major roles in implementing government priorities.
