KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed 13 new Permanent Secretaries to various government ministries, departments and agencies in a move aimed at strengthening public sector leadership, improving administrative efficiency and enhancing service delivery.
The appointments, announced by the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) on Sunday, November 8, 2026, affect key government institutions, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the President (Science, Technology and Innovation), the Inspectorate of Government and several ministries.
The appointments were made in exercise of the President’s powers under Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
In an appointment letter dated November 5, 2026, addressed to the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, President Museveni named the 13 officials and directed the Commission to assess their suitability for appointment and advise him accordingly.
Those appointed include Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga as Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister; Maureen Kasande for the Inspectorate of Government; and Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki for the Office of the President, responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation.
Others are Kenneth Akiri for the Ministry of Water and Environment; Barbara Namugambe for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; and Charles Ssentongo for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The President also appointed Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Mark Sseremba for the Ministry of Public Service, and Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire for the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The remaining appointments are Edith Butuuro for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs; Aggrey Wunyi for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs; Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai for the Public Service Commission; and Edward Sengonzi Damulira as Clerk to Parliament.
According to the PPU, the appointments are intended to strengthen institutional leadership, enhance administrative efficiency and improve the implementation of government programmes and national development priorities.
The changes affect strategic government institutions responsible for public administration, national security, infrastructure development, agriculture, diplomacy, environmental management, regional integration and technological advancement.
The Permanent Secretary is the accounting officer and chief administrative head of a government ministry or department, responsible for overseeing the implementation of government policies, managing public resources and ensuring effective service delivery.
The appointments are part of the President’s constitutional mandate to appoint Permanent Secretaries, a key component of the public service leadership structure.
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