President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced a major shake-up in Uganda’s public service, nominating 13 individuals to occupy key administrative positions across various government ministries and institutions. Among the major changes is the nomination of Edith Butuuro as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, replacing Rosette Byengoma.
In a statement released on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the President unveiled the list of nominees, highlighting changes expected to affect the leadership and administration of several government institutions. Butuuro’s nomination comes after serving as Under Secretary for Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Defence, where she gained experience in managing the ministry’s administrative and financial affairs.
If approved, Butuuro will take over the ministry’s top administrative office from Byengoma, who has served as Permanent Secretary under the political leadership of Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka. Her nomination represents a significant change in the ministry’s senior management.
The reshuffle also affects the Ministry of Works and Transport, where Museveni nominated Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire as Permanent Secretary. Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga was selected for the Office of the Prime Minister, while Maureen Kasande was nominated to head the Inspectorate of Government.
Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki was nominated to serve in the Office of the President, overseeing Science, Technology and Innovation. Kenneth Akiri was selected for the Ministry of Water and Environment, while Barbara Namugambe was nominated for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
In other changes, Charles Ssentongo was nominated for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho was selected for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. Mark Sseremba was nominated for the Ministry of Public Service, and Aggrey Wunyi for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs.
The President also nominated Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai to serve on the Public Service Commission and Edward Sengonzi Damulira as Clerk to Parliament. The nominations were made under Article 174(2) of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint Permanent Secretaries to government ministries.
However, the nominees will have to undergo assessment by the Public Service Commission before their appointments can be confirmed. Museveni said he had directed the commission to examine their suitability and provide recommendations. Permanent Secretaries are responsible for overseeing ministry operations, supervising public officers and managing government resources as accounting officers.
