Leaders from Lango Sub-region have expressed divergent views over the latest appointment of Permanent Secretaries by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, with some questioning the region’s continued absence from the senior government positions while others have urged restraint in demands for ethnic representation.
Lira City East Division MP Denis Alyela Omodi said Lango had been unfairly overlooked in the appointments, noting that the sub-region had not secured a Permanent Secretary position in two consecutive government terms covering 2021–2026 and 2026–2031.
In a telephone interview with our reporter on Monday, November 9, Omodi said the omission was particularly concerning given Lango’s political support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which he said secured more than 84.49% of the region’s votes and 18 parliamentary seats in the 12th Parliament.
He argued that Lango had a pool of highly educated and experienced professionals capable of serving in senior government positions, questioning why none had been considered for the influential administrative offices.
Omodi said the region needed to rethink its priorities, arguing that its people often invested considerable energy in political and other activities that do not necessarily translate into tangible benefits, while paying less attention to strategic government appointments.
He explained that Permanent Secretaries play a critical role in government because they oversee the implementation of ministry budgets, government policies, and programmes, making their positions important to the development interests of the regions they come from.
However, Otuke East MP Julius Acon Bua dismissed concerns over Lango’s absence from the latest appointments, arguing that government appointments should not be viewed exclusively through the lens of tribal representation.
Acon said Uganda has about 65 tribes and that it would be unreasonable for Lango to expect representation in every round of government appointments, noting that there are numerous other appointed positions across government institutions.
He further observed that the latest appointments involved only a few tribes and that the issue of equitable representation should be considered beyond the Permanent Secretary positions.
His remarks come after President Museveni appointed 13 new Permanent Secretaries in changes announced on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The appointments, dated November 5, were made under Article 174(2) of the 1995 Constitution and affect several key government ministries and institutions.
The appointees are Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga for the Office of the Prime Minister; Maureen Kasande for the Inspectorate of Government; Sheeba Kyobutungi Rujoki for the Office of the President – Science, Technology and Innovation; Kenneth Akiri for Water and Environment; Barbara Namugambe for Agriculture; and Charles Ssentongo for Foreign Affairs.
Others are Prof. Stephen Akandwanaho for ICT and National Guidance; Mark Sseremba for Public Service; Eng. Flavia Guto Bwire for Works and Transport; Edith Butuuro for Defence and Veteran Affairs; Aggrey Wunyi for East African Community Affairs; Betty Mutesa Cwinya-ai for the Public Service Commission; and Edward Sengonzi Damulira as Clerk to Parliament.
The changes are intended to strengthen institutional leadership, improve administrative efficiency, and enhance the implementation of government programmes and national development priorities.