Dunstan Balaba, formerly the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Buikwe district, has assumed the role of Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
President Yoweri Museveni appointed him to replace the late Keith Muhakanizi, who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 64.
During a senior technical staff meeting on Monday, Balaba officially took over from Rose Alenga, who had been serving as the acting permanent secretary since Muhakanizi’s death.
In his new position, Balaba emphasized the need for collaboration, team spirit, and the rebuilding of the OPM’s image, as conveyed by Charles Odongtho, the OPM spokesperson.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja had announced in September 2023 that the OPM would undergo restructuring to enhance supervision and monitoring. The OPM has faced several corruption scandals in recent years, including the diversion of supplies meant for the Karamoja sub-region to unintended beneficiaries.
The OPM, a significant ministry housing the head of government business (Prime Minister), the Government Chief Whip, and various ministries, has been grappling with challenges. The late Muhakanizi had proposed restructuring the OPM to address these issues, citing concerns about ministers being involved in various aspects of the office, from stores to procurement, accounts, and human resources.
Lucy Nakyobe, the head of the Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, revealed Muhakanizi’s concerns during his funeral service at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. Muhakanizi had warned that such ministerial involvement could lead to problems.
Notably, several ministers, including Mary Goretti Kitutu, the minister for Karamoja affairs, Agnes Nandutu, the state minister for Karamoja affairs, and Amos Lugoloobi, the state minister for finance in charge of planning, have faced charges, including corruption offenses.
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