President Yoweri Museveni has nominated 13 officials for senior positions across government ministries and institutions, in changes that affect several long-serving public service administrators.
The nominations, announced on Sunday, November 8, include new heads for the ministries of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Works and Transport, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Public Service, as well as the Office of the Prime Minister.
According to Uganda Radio Network (URN), the President’s letter to the Public Service Commission (PSC) was dated November 5.
In the letter, Museveni invoked Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution and directed the commission to assess the suitability of the nominees before advising him on their appointments.
“I have directed the Public Service Commission to assess their suitability for appointment and advise me accordingly,” the President said.
The nominations are not yet final, as the commission must complete its assessment before the President makes the appointments.
New faces in key ministries
Among the proposed changes is the nomination of Edith Butuuro, currently an Undersecretary in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, to replace Rosette Byengoma as the ministry’s permanent secretary.
At the Ministry of Works and Transport, Museveni nominated Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire to replace Waiswa Bageya, who is set to leave the position.
Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga has been nominated for the Office of the Prime Minister, replacing Alex Kakooza, while Kenneth Akiri is proposed for the Ministry of Water and Environment, where he would replace Dr Alfred Okot Okidi.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries is also affected, with Barbara Namugambe nominated to replace the incumbent accounting officer.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Charles Ssentongo has been proposed to take over from Ambassador Patrick Mugoya.
Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho has been nominated for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, replacing Dr Aminah Zawedde, while Mark Sseremba is proposed for the Ministry of Public Service, where Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire has been serving.
Aggrey Wunyi has been nominated for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, replacing Edith N. Mwanje.
Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki has been proposed for the Office of the President, where she will oversee Science, Technology and Innovation.
Changes extend beyond ministries
The nominations also affect other public institutions.
Maureen Kasande has been nominated as Secretary to the Inspectorate of Government, replacing Rose Kafeero, while Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai has been proposed for the Public Service Commission.
Museveni also nominated Edward Sengonzi Damulira as Clerk to Parliament, replacing Adolf Mwesige.
The Clerk is the chief administrative officer of Parliament and oversees the institution’s administrative operations and parliamentary service.
Outgoing officials’ next positions unclear
The reshuffle affects several officials who have held senior positions in government for extended periods.
However, the President’s announcement does not explain whether those being replaced will retire, be redeployed or take up other assignments in the public service.
The changes also do not amount to immediate confirmation of the nominees. The Public Service Commission must first assess their suitability and submit its recommendations to the President.
Permanent secretaries serve as the chief administrative officers and accounting officers of government ministries. They oversee the management of public resources, supervise administrative operations and are responsible for implementing government policies and programmes.
The latest nominations therefore place the next stage of the reshuffle in the hands of the Public Service Commission, pending the President’s final decisions.
