news 10 November 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Inside Museveni’s Major Shake-Up of Permanent Secretaries

President Museveni has retired 11 long-serving permanent secretaries and appointed 13 new faces in a sweeping public service reshuffle. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-permanent-secretaries-shake-up-is-reshaping-govt-5664736

President Yoweri Museveni has initiated a major overhaul of Uganda’s public service leadership, retiring 11 long-serving permanent secretaries. Among those affected by the sweeping changes announced by State House are former Judiciary Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana and former Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija.

The restructuring introduces 13 new permanent secretaries to key government offices, while 16 others have been retained in their current positions and 11 have been redeployed across various ministries, departments, and agencies. This transition is seen by observers as a significant step toward generational renewal within the upper echelons of government administration.

Following the announcement, the President directed the Public Service Commission to immediately assess the suitability of all newly designated accounting officers and advise his office accordingly. However, the changes have not been without friction. The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has raised concerns and faulted the President over specific appointments, including Maureen Kasande to the Inspectorate of Government, Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai to the Public Service Commission, and Dr. Edward Sengonzi Damulira as the new Clerk to Parliament.

As the newly appointed officials prepare to assume their roles, the public service is bracing for a shift in institutional dynamics. This administrative realignment aims to inject fresh energy into government operations, though scrutiny remains high regarding the vetting process and legal implications of the latest appointments.