President Museveni Retains Hajji Yunus Kakande as Permanent Secretary

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reappointed Hajji Yunus Kakande as Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Office of the President. This decision was made in the latest reshuffle of Permanent Secretaries and other senior public servants announced on November 9, 2026. Kakande has been in this position since November 2018 and has now secured another term in an office he has headed for approximately eight years.

Kakande's retention is a vote of confidence in his administrative leadership. He succeeded Deborah Katuramu and had his contract renewed for another three-year term in October 2024. As Permanent Secretary, Kakande serves as the accounting officer and vote controller for the Presidency, overseeing its financial and administrative operations. His experience and ability to maintain cordial relations with different stakeholders have helped him navigate the demands of one of the Presidency's most sensitive offices.

The Office of the President, under the political leadership of Minister Hon. Milly Babalanda, is a strategically positioned institution in government. Its responsibilities include coordinating the appointment and deployment of Presidential Advisors and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), as well as matters concerning their remuneration, facilitation, and terms of service. The office also participates in administrative processes involving the appointment, deployment, and promotion of senior public officers across ministries, departments, and agencies.

Kakande has been involved in the appointment and deployment of several senior government administrators who now occupy influential positions across ministries and other public institutions. His years in the Presidency have enabled him to build working relationships with key stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, media practitioners, local government political leaders, and officials within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). People familiar with his working style describe him as a politically astute administrator who understands the sensitivities of government and the institutional expectations surrounding the Presidency.

Despite his relatively introverted personality, Kakande is regarded as approachable and supportive of colleagues, with some crediting him for mentoring and nurturing other public servants. His ability to maintain cordial relations with different stakeholders, coupled with his experience in public administration, has helped him navigate the demands of one of the Presidency's most sensitive offices. A source described Kakande as a likeable character who is famous for wishing everyone well and never frustrating or envying anyone.

Kakande's retention comes as President Museveni undertakes a major reorganisation of the senior public service, involving new appointments, redeployments, contract renewals, and retentions. For the Office of the President, retaining an accounting officer with eight years of institutional experience offers continuity in managing its financial, personnel, and administrative responsibilities. His continued service also means that the Presidency will maintain leadership familiar with its internal structures and the complex coordination required between political leadership and the public service.

With his latest retention, Hajji Yunus Kakande remains at the helm of the Office of the President, continuing his role in managing the administrative machinery that supports the Presidency and its wide-ranging government responsibilities. This move is expected to ensure stability and continuity in the office, which is crucial for the effective functioning of the government. Kakande's experience and expertise will likely continue to be valuable assets for the Office of the President.

Key points

• President Museveni has retained Hajji Yunus Kakande as Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Office of the President, reaffirming his confidence in Kakande's administrative leadership.