Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Under Secretary/Accounting Officer, Dr Edward Sengonzi Damilira (R) replaces Adolf Mwesigye (L) as the new Clerk to Parliament.
By Joseph Kiggundu
President Yoweri Museveni over the weekend nominated 13 officials for appointment to senior government positions in a sweeping reshuffle that could see several long-serving Permanent Secretaries replaced across key ministries and public institutions.
The changes, announced on Sunday, November 8, affect the Office of the Prime Minister, ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Agriculture, ICT, Works and Transport, and other government departments.
In a letter dated November 5, Museveni invoked Article 174(2) of the Constitution and directed the Public Service Commission to assess the nominees’ suitability before their appointments are formalised.
Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda
Among the notable changes, Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga has been nominated to replace Alex Kakooza as Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Kakooza moved to the office in 2024 after serving as Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President.
At the Inspectorate of Government, Maureen Kasande has been nominated to take over from Rose Kafeero, who has been serving as Secretary to the Inspectorate.
Kenneth Akiri has been named to replace Alfred Okot Okidi at the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Okidi has served as Permanent Secretary since 2016.
At the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Barbara Namugambe has been nominated to succeed Maj Gen (Rtd) David Kasura-Kyomukama.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also set for a change, with Charles Ssentongo nominated to replace Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, who has headed the ministry’s administration since 2021.
Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho has been named to replace Dr Aminah Zawedde at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
Zawedde was appointed Permanent Secretary in July 2021.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde (R) has been replaced by Prof Stephen Akandwanaho(L) , the Chief Academic Officer at Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology, as the new PS at Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
At the Ministry of Public Service, Mark Sseremba has been nominated to succeed Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire.
Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire has been designated for the Ministry of Works and Transport, where Waiswa Bageya has been serving as Permanent Secretary.
Bageya’s tenure has attracted scrutiny over investigations into road construction costs.
However, the Inspectorate of Government announced on October 23 that it had cleared him of wrongdoing in the cost escalations associated with the Busega–Mpigi Expressway.
At the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Edith Butuuro has been nominated to replace Rosette Byengoma.
Former immediate Under Secretary at Health Ministry Kenneth Akiri, promoted, sent to Ministry of Water and Environment as Permanent Secretary. He replaces Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi.
Aggrey Wunyi has been named to succeed Edith Mwanje at the Ministry of East African Community Affairs.
Mwanje is among the longest-serving Permanent Secretaries, having held the position since 2007.
Museveni has also nominated Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki to the Office of the President, specifically the Science, Technology and Innovation docket, which has been operating under a secretariat arrangement.
Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai has been nominated to the Public Service Commission, replacing long-serving Permanent Secretary Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire.
In another significant change, Edward Sengonzi Damulira has been nominated as Clerk to Parliament, replacing Adolf Mwesige, who was appointed to the position in 2021 following the retirement of Jane Kibirige.
Museveni emphasised that the nominations remain subject to assessment by the Public Service Commission.
“I have directed the Public Service Commission to assess their suitability for appointment and advise me accordingly,” the President said.
The President did not indicate whether the affected Permanent Secretaries would be retired, redeployed to other government positions or assigned new responsibilities.
The former Under Secretary at Works Ministry, Barbara Namugambe (R) has been sent to MAAIF as PS. She replaces Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama (L).
Permanent Secretaries are the administrative heads and accounting officers of government ministries, responsible for managing public resources, supervising implementation of government programmes and ensuring compliance with public financial management requirements.
The proposed changes come months after Museveni constituted his 2026–2031 Cabinet and signal a broader reorganisation of the government’s senior administrative leadership.
List of Appointees
Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga -Office of the Prime Minister
Maureen Kasande -Inspectorate of Government
Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki -Office of the President (Science, Technology and Innovation)
Kenneth Akiri -Ministry of Water and Environment
1Barbara Namugambe -Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
Charles Ssentongo -Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho -Ministry of ICT and National Guidance
Mark Sseremba -Ministry of Public Service
Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire -Ministry of Works and Transport
Edith Butuuro -Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs
Aggrey Wunyi -Ministry of East African Community Affairs
Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai- Public Service Commission
Edward Sengonzi Damulira -Clerk to Parliament