President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Sunday, 8th November 2026, 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.
In his message, the President 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.
Mr Kenneth Akiri has been nominated to serve at the Ministry of Water and Environment, replacing the most dedicated PS, Alfred Okidi Okoth, while Barbara Namugambe has been selected for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
This reshuffle should worry Ministers and RDCs about who will be next, especially as further changes are expected before the end of this year.
Six Ministers are expected to be dropped. Two of them are from the Western Region and will be replaced by two people from Northern Uganda. Another two from the Buganda Region will be replaced by two from the Eastern Region, while two from the Eastern Region will be dropped and replaced by two from West Nile.
As for the Resident District Commissioners, the new appointments are expected to bring in a large number of new entrants, especially young people aligned with the Patriotic League of Uganda. The old guards should start considering how to clear their bank loans, in case they have any, so that banks do not end up selling off their properties.
More details to follow.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
