HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I New faces grace President Yoweri Museveni’s government administrative leadership following a major civil service shake-up in which he has nominated 13 senior officials for appointment as permanent secretaries and other key public service positions, affecting some of the country’s most strategic ministries and government institutions.
The changes, announced on Sunday, November 8, 2026, include the appointment of Edith Butuuro as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, replacing Rosette Byengoma, who has been serving as the ministry’s top administrative officer.
The President has forwarded the names of the 13 nominees to the Public Service Commission for assessment and vetting to establish their suitability before their appointments can be confirmed.
In announcing the changes, Museveni invoked Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint permanent secretaries.
“I have directed the Public Service Commission to assess their suitability for appointment and advise me accordingly,” Museveni said.
The reshuffle touches several influential government institutions, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Inspectorate of Government, the Office of the President and the ministries responsible for defence, infrastructure, agriculture, foreign affairs, water and environment, information technology and public service.
The appointments are expected to usher in a new administrative leadership structure as government prepares to implement its development priorities and strengthen the management of public resources.
Butuuro takes over Defence Ministry
One of the most significant changes is the nomination of Edith Butuuro to replace Rosette Byengoma as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Butuuro has been serving as the ministry’s Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, placing her in a position to understand its financial, administrative and operational structures.
Her elevation to the position of Permanent Secretary represents a promotion to the ministry’s highest administrative office.
She takes over at a ministry that has undergone political leadership changes following the appointment of Kiryowa Kiwanuka as Defence Minister in May 2026.
Kiwanuka assumed office in June following the departure of Jacob Marksons Oboth, who subsequently became Speaker of Parliament.
Byengoma had served as Permanent Secretary under the ministry’s previous and current political leadership, making her departure one of the notable developments in the latest reshuffle.
The Defence Ministry is among the most sensitive government institutions, overseeing administrative and financial matters relating to the country’s military establishment and veterans’ affairs.
OPM, Inspectorate and State House affected
In another significant appointment, Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga has been nominated as Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
The office plays a central role in coordinating government programmes, monitoring implementation of national development priorities and overseeing disaster preparedness and response.
Maureen Kasande has been nominated to serve as Permanent Secretary of the Inspectorate of Government, an institution mandated to fight corruption, investigate abuse of public office and promote accountability in public administration.
At the Office of the President, Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki has been nominated to oversee Science, Technology and Innovation.
Her appointment comes at a time when government is increasingly emphasising science, technology, innovation and industrial development as important drivers of economic transformation.
Major ministries get new administrative heads
The reshuffle also affects several ministries responsible for delivering essential public services and implementing government development programmes.
Eng Flavia Guto Bwire has been nominated as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, which oversees roads, bridges, aviation, railway and other transport infrastructure.
Kenneth Akiri has been nominated to head the Ministry of Water and Environment, while Barbara Namugambe has been named for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
Charles Ssentongo has been nominated as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which coordinates Uganda’s diplomatic relations, international cooperation and foreign policy.
In the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Prof Stephen Akandwanaho has been nominated to take over the administrative leadership.
Mark Sseremba has been nominated for the Ministry of Public Service, while Aggrey Wunyi has been named for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs.
These appointments are expected to influence the implementation of government policies in infrastructure development, agricultural production, environmental protection, digital transformation, public sector reforms and regional integration.
Parliament and Public Service Commission
Beyond the ministries, Museveni has also nominated Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai to serve on the Public Service Commission.
Edward Sengonzi Damulira has been nominated as Clerk to Parliament, a key administrative position responsible for supporting the functioning of the legislature and its institutional operations.
The two appointments form part of the wider restructuring of senior public service positions announced by the President.
What the changes mean for government
Permanent secretaries occupy some of the most influential positions in Uganda’s public administration.
Unlike ministers, who provide political leadership and direction, permanent secretaries oversee the day-to-day operations of ministries, supervise public officers, coordinate implementation of government policies and manage public resources.
They also serve as accounting officers, carrying responsibility for ensuring that public funds are properly utilised and government expenditure complies with financial regulations.
Their effectiveness therefore has a direct bearing on service delivery, project implementation and accountability across government institutions.
However, the 13 nominations are not yet final appointments. The Public Service Commission must first assess the candidates and advise the President on their suitability before confirmation.
The latest shake-up follows broader changes in Uganda’s political and administrative leadership earlier this year, including Cabinet adjustments and the transition of several senior officials to new responsibilities.
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