Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu Retained as Internal Affairs Permanent Secretary

President Yoweri Museveni has officially retained Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu Butamanya as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This decision comes as part of the latest leadership changes within the civil service announced on November 9, 2026, bringing stability to a crucial docket.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs remains a critical component of Uganda’s national security and public administration. As the ministry’s accounting officer, Musanyufu oversees vital administrative and financial functions spanning the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), and the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.

Musanyufu’s retention follows a turbulent period earlier in the year when he was sent on forced leave. On May 23, 2026, President Museveni directed Musanyufu, along with Police Undersecretary Aggrey Wunyi and AIGP Felix Baryamwitsaki, to step aside. The directive followed a report by former Internal Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire regarding alleged irregularities and disputes over payments for the maintenance of the national CCTV surveillance system.

Investigations into the matter, which centered on contractual compliance and payments to the local contractor Dealan Associates Ltd, ultimately found no evidence of bribery or deliberate withholding of funds. Consequently, Musanyufu was cleared and reinstated to his position, paving the way for his confirmation in the recent civil service reshuffle.

With a career spanning over four decades in public service, Musanyufu transitioned from the military—where he notably served as Joint Chief of Staff—into the civil service. His continued leadership ensures administrative continuity as the ministry pursues key targets, including NIRA’s goal to register all Ugandans by 2030.

Read more details about the retention on Nile Post.