Uganda Law Society Criticizes Museveni Over Permanent Secretary Appointments

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly condemned President Yoweri Museveni over his recent appointment of 13 Permanent Secretaries and the Clerk to Parliament. The legal body warns that the selection process violates constitutional frameworks and the fundamental principle of the separation of powers.

Speaking from self-exile, ULS President and Head of the Bar Isaac K. Ssemakadde faulted the President’s directive asking the Public Service Commission (PSC) merely to assess the suitability of pre-selected candidates. According to Ssemakadde, the office of a Permanent Secretary is governed by Article 174 of the 1995 Constitution, which requires the President to act in accordance with the advice of the PSC rather than through unilateral executive pre-selection.

“These are not personal staff posts of the President. Treating them as if they are by headhunting names in secret and then presenting the Public Service Commission with a pre-selected list for formal endorsement reduces the Commission to a rubber stamp,” Ssemakadde stated.

The ULS president highlighted specific appointments that he argued encroach upon the independence of key state institutions. He pointed to the naming of Maureen Kasande to the Inspectorate of Government, Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai to the Public Service Commission, and Dr. Edward Sengonzi Damulira as Clerk to Parliament as clear violations of institutional autonomy.

President Museveni announced the sweeping public sector shake-up with the stated aim of reinforcing institutional leadership, streamlining national development programmes, and eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks. The list of nominees affects several key dockets, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In response to the developments, the ULS has called on citizens, public servants, and civil society organizations to challenge the process through constitutional litigation and peaceful civic action. The lawyers’ body affirmed that it stands ready to coordinate public-interest litigation to defend institutional independence in Uganda.

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