Museveni Names 13 New Permanent Secretaries in Major Government Administrative Changes

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed 13 new Permanent Secretaries across various government ministries, departments and agencies in a move aimed at strengthening public sector leadership, improving administrative efficiency and enhancing service delivery.

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The appointments, announced on Sunday, November 8, 2026, were made in exercise of the President's constitutional powers under Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

According to an appointment letter dated November 5, 2026, addressed to the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, President Museveni appointed the new Permanent Secretaries to serve in key government institutions, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Inspectorate of Government, the Office of the President and several ministries.

The appointments cover strategic sectors such as water and environment, agriculture, animal industry and fisheries, foreign affairs, information and communications technology, public service, works and transport, defence and veteran affairs, and East African Community Affairs.

The Office of the President responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation is also among the institutions affected by the changes, alongside the Public Service Commission and the Office of the Clerk to Parliament.

Full List of the Designated Officials

The 13 officials named in the communication are:

Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga-Office of the Prime Minister

Maureen Kasande- Inspectorate of Government

Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki -Office of the President – Science, Technology and Innovation

Kenneth Akiri- Ministry of Water and Environment

Barbara Namugambe- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries

Ssentongo- Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho - Ministry of ICT and National Guidance

Mark Sseremba- Ministry of Public Service

Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire- Ministry of Works and Transport

Butuuro - Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs

Aggrey Wunyi -Ministry of East African Community Affairs

Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai - Public Service Commission

Edith Sengonzi Damulira- Office of the Clerk to Parliament

The President directed the Public Service Commission to assess the suitability of the designated individuals and advise him accordingly before the appointments are finalised.

Strengthening Government Administration

Permanent Secretaries serve as the senior administrative heads and accounting officers of government ministries and departments. They oversee the implementation of government policies, management of public resources, coordination of institutional activities and delivery of public services.

The latest changes affect several strategic sectors, including national security, infrastructure, agriculture, diplomacy, environmental management, public administration, technology and regional integration.

The appointments are intended to reinforce institutional leadership, improve coordination across government agencies and accelerate the implementation of national development programmes.

The changes also come as government continues implementing its development priorities under the new administration's 2026–2031 term.

Important clarification: Although the announcement refers to 13 officials, the list comprises 12 Permanent Secretary designations and Edward Sengonzi Damulira for the separate position of Clerk to Parliament.

The Permanent Secretary designations are also subject to the Public Service Commission's assessment.

Source: Presidential appointment communication dated November 5, 2026, and announcement issued November 8, 2026.