These include the following Permanent Secretaries Ben Kumumanya of Local Government, Robert Kasande of Justice, Dorcus Okalany of Lands, Doreen Katusiime of Tourism, Pius Bigirimana, Dr. Alfred Okidi of Water, Alex Kakooza of OPM, Dr. Diana Atwine of Health, Irene Batebe of Energy, Dr. Ramathan Goobi of Finance, Dr. Amina Zawedde of ICT, Rosette Byengoma of Defense, Dunstan Balaba of Ethics & Integrity among others.
By Mulengera Reporters
Through his trusted indomitable cadre Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, who serves as both Head Public Service and Cabinet Secretary, President Museveni has identified and come up with a list of seasoned public administrator and bureaucrats who have been empowered to serve as ‘Acting Ministers’ and ensure that the government business doesn’t stall, as the country continues waiting for his new Cabinet.
Two weeks ago, the old cabinet (comprising 85 Ministers) was dissolved following the end of tenure of the government that reigned between 2021 and 2026. This means that a vacuum resulted yet the same is very detrimental to the management of public affairs in the country.
Knowledgeable Presidency sources say that it’s very unlikely Gen Museveni will be unveiling his new Cabinet before the new Speaker and Deputy have been elected. He could even wait out the fortune hunters and doesn’t unleash new Cabinet up to July.
Sources say that the big man from Rwakitura was advised by Nakyobe, his trusted cadre and chief strategist on public management matters, that this would slow down the business of service delivery and thereby discredit his new government because certain decisions under the law have to strictly be made and assignments undertaken by people with power of a Minister and no one else.
It was against that background that Gen Museveni agreed to designate all Permanent Secretaries to occupy the role of Acting Ministers and the relevant instrument, which Mulengera News has seen, was proclaimed by the Cabinet Secretariat on Wednesday 13th May. And as you read this right now, the PSs are enjoying power because they are now serving as chief technocrats and also acting political heads for their respective Ministries.
These include the following Permanent Secretaries Ben Kumumanya of Local Government, Robert Kasande of Justice, Dorcus Okalany of Lands, Doreen Katusiime of Tourism, Pius Bigirimana, Dr. Alfred Okidi of Water, Alex Kakooza of OPM, Dr. Diana Atwine of Health, Irene Batebe of Energy, Dr. Amina Zawedde of ICT, Rosette Byengoma of Defense, Dunstan Balaba of Ethics & Integrity among others.
The one-page instrument (addressed to each PS separately and in confidence) indicates that the PSs should prepare to hold that responsibility and keep playing that role for an indefinite period of time. They are to serve as Acting Ministers until a new cabinet has been named, sworn in and inaugurated.
It’s titled: “Interim Administrative Arrangement for Execution of Ministerial Responsibilities” and the details read as follows: “Pursuant to Article 98 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. the President has directed that with effect from 13th May 2026 you assume the responsibilities of the Minister…”
It adds: “This delegation is issued in accordance with Articles 113 and 114 of the Constitution and shall remain in force until substantive Ministers are duly appointed. You are therefore directed to ensure the uninterrupted execution of Ministerial functions and the effective administration of your Ministry during this interim period.” (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
