On Monday, November 9, 2026, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni announced a major reshuffle in the Ugandan government, affecting various ministries and state agencies. The changes involve the appointment of new permanent secretaries, the retention of some in their current positions, and the transfer of others to new roles. This move has resulted in the dismissal of 11 permanent secretaries who have reached the retirement age.
According to a government statement, President Museveni has retained 16 permanent secretaries in their current positions and appointed 13 new ones. The dismissed officials include Adolf Mwesige, the former Secretary General of the Parliament; Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama, who worked in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; and Dr. Rose Nassali Lukwago and Rose Kafeero, who worked in the Office of the Auditor General.
Other dismissed officials include Dorcus Okalany from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development; Bageya Waiswa from the Ministry of Works and Transport; Edith Mwanje from the East African Community; Alfred Okidi from the Ministry of Water and Environment; Dr. John Geoffrey Mutabazi from the Public Service Commission; and Pius Bigirimana, the former Secretary of the Judiciary.
These changes come after the expiration of contracts for some permanent secretaries. Last month, the Deputy Head of Public Service, Jane Mwesiga Kyarisiima, announced that the contracts of some permanent secretaries had expired on July 28, 2026. The delay in constituting the Public Service Commission had caused a backlog in the evaluation of their performance.
Kyarisiima explained that without a functional Public Service Commission, the evaluation of permanent secretaries' performance had stalled. However, with the new commission in place, it will now assess the performance of those whose contracts have expired and provide recommendations to the President on their renewal.
In Uganda, permanent secretaries are appointed on three-year contracts that can be renewed, overseen by the Ministry of Public Service. Last month, President Museveni appointed a new nine-member Public Service Commission, which was sworn in on October 16, 2026. The commission is headed by Vincent Seruma and deputized by Jen Sanji.
The changes are expected to bring new leadership and dynamism to the various government ministries and agencies. Key appointments and dismissals are part of President Museveni's efforts to maintain efficiency and effectiveness in the government.
Key points
- President Museveni has retained 16 permanent secretaries in their current positions and appointed 13 new ones.
- The dismissed officials include high-ranking officers such as Adolf Mwesige and Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama.
- The changes follow the expiration of contracts for some permanent secretaries and the constitution of a new Public Service Commission.
