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, made by the President, covers strategic government offices responsible for public administration, national security, infrastructure, foreign affairs, agriculture, technology and other critical sectors.
Museveni said 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.
The Ministry of Water and Environment is set to have Kenneth Akiri as its nominated Permanent Secretary, while Barbara Namugambe has been selected for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
In another significant appointment, Charles Ssentongo has been nominated for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Professor Stephen Akandwanaho selected for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
The other nominees include Mark Sseremba for the Ministry of Public Service and Engineer Flavia Guto Bwire for the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Edith Butuuro has been nominated for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, while Aggrey Wunyi has been selected for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs.
At other key government institutions, Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai has been nominated for the Public Service Commission, while Edward Sengonzi Damulira has been designated for the influential position of Clerk to Parliament.
However, the 13 nominees are not yet officially confirmed in their respective positions.
Museveni has directed the Public Service Commission to scrutinise their qualifications and suitability 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. Apart from serving as accounting officers, they supervise ministry operations, manage public funds, coordinate government programmes and ensure 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 therefore expected to attract attention across the public service, particularly because the selected officials will oversee institutions that play major roles in implementing government priorities.
For now, 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.
