Uganda President Museveni Reshuffles Permanent Secretaries, Drops Clerk to Parliament Mwesige

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has made a significant change in the leadership of Uganda's parliamentary administration, dropping Adolf Mwesige as Clerk to Parliament. Mwesige's five-year tenure ended amid mounting corruption investigations and scrutiny of parliamentary administration. His replacement, Edward Sengonzi Damulira, was announced on Sunday as part of a wider reshuffle of Permanent Secretaries.

Mwesige's departure follows a period of intense scrutiny, including a raid on his offices in May 2026 by State House investigators and auditors. The probe was into alleged corruption, and Mwesige was lined up as a potential state witness in an investigation into an alleged Shs27 billion corruption scheme. Although not formally charged, his tenure was also marred by controversy over a Shs1.7 billion service award paid to four parliamentary backbench commissioners.

The High Court had directed disciplinary action against Mwesige over his role in the decision-making and implementation of the payments. His proposed successor, Edward Sengonzi Damulira, is an economist with a PhD in Economics. Damulira previously served as Under Secretary and Accounting Officer at the Ministry of Finance and has also worked in the Office of the President and Ministry of Health.

Like the other nominees, Damulira's appointment is subject to assessment by the Public Service Commission. The President has directed the Commission to examine the nominees' suitability and advise him accordingly. The full list of nominees announced on Sunday includes Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga, Maureen Kasande, and Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki, among others.

The reshuffle affects various ministries and offices, with new appointees including Kenneth Akiri to the Ministry of Water and Environment, Barbara Namugambe to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and Charles Ssentongo to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Senior press secretary Sandor Walusimbi confirmed the developments, stating that the list of permanent secretaries is not yet exhaustive. The full list, including the respective assignments, will be shared in due course.

President Museveni did not explain the circumstances surrounding Mwesige's departure or indicate whether he would be redeployed to another government position. The changes are part of the President's duties under Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution.

Key points

• Mwesige's replacement, Edward Sengonzi Damulira, is an economist with a PhD in Economics.
• The reshuffle affects various ministries and offices, with new appointees including Kenneth Akiri, Barbara Namugambe, and Charles Ssentongo.
• Mwesige's departure follows a period of intense scrutiny, including a raid on his offices in May 2026 by State House investigators and auditors.