Museveni shakes up permanent secretaries, Education PS Lamaro fired, new Trade PS appointed
Bagonza, who has served as Under Secretary for 14 years, steps in to replace Geraldine Ssali, who was recently charged in the Anti-Corruption Court. Bagonza’s extensive experience made her a strong candidate to fill the vacancy left by Ssali's departure.
President Yoweri Museveni has undertaken a major reshuffle of his team of Permanent Secretaries, most notably firing Education PS Ketty Lamaro and appointing Lynette Bagonza as the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Trade.
Bagonza, who has served as Under Secretary for 14 years, steps in to replace Geraldine Ssali, who was recently charged in the Anti-Corruption Court. Bagonza’s extensive experience made her a strong candidate to fill the vacancy left by Ssali’s departure.
In addition to these changes, President Museveni has reappointed eight Permanent Secretaries for another three-year term. Among those retained are Gen David Kasura as PS for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and Gen Joseph Musanyufu as PS for the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Jane Barekye will continue as State House Comptroller, while Amina Zawedde remains PS for the Ministry of ICT.
Other key reappointments include Irene Batebe as PS for the Ministry of Energy and Ramathan Goobi as PS for the Ministry of Finance. Adolf Mwesige has also been reappointed as Clerk to Parliament, a move that has sparked some controversy due to recent corruption scandals within the institution.
The reshuffle follows a performance review by the Public Service Commission, which recommended the reappointment of the eight PSs. However, President Museveni chose to drop Lamaro, citing confidential information regarding her conduct.
Lamaro’s dismissal is seen as a significant shift, particularly given the crucial role of the Education Ministry in executing government policies. Her successor has not yet been named, leaving a key position in the government temporarily vacant.
This latest reshuffle is viewed as part of President Museveni’s strategy to fortify his team in preparation for the upcoming election cycle, underscoring his intent to maintain a strong and reliable group of officials to carry out his policies and programs.
