A Vote of Confidence: President Museveni Retains Hajji Yunus Kakande as Permanent Secretary in Powerful Office of the President

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has retained Hajji Yunus Kakande as Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Office of the President in the latest reshuffle of Permanent Secretaries and other senior public servants announced on November 9, 2026.

Kakande, who was first appointed to the position in November 2018, has now secured another spell in an office he has headed for approximately eight years, reaffirming the President's confidence in his administrative leadership.

He succeeded Deborah Katuramu and had his contract renewed for another three-year term in October 2024. His latest retention further consolidates his position as one of the longest-serving senior officials in the Office of the President.

Kakande serves as the accounting officer and vote controller for the Presidency, making him responsible for overseeing its financial and administrative operations. 

A Strategic Office

The Office of the President, under the political leadership of Minister Hon. Milly Babalanda, is one of the most strategically positioned institutions in government.

Its responsibilities include coordinating the appointment and deployment of Presidential Advisors and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), as well as matters concerning their remuneration, facilitation and terms of service.

The office also participates in administrative processes involving the appointment, deployment and promotion of senior public officers across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), including positions up to the level of Under Secretary.

As accounting officer, Kakande shoulders much of the day-to-day administrative responsibility associated with running the institution and ensuring that its operations are properly coordinated.

Eight Years of Administrative Experience

Since his appointment in 2018, Kakande has been involved in the appointment and deployment of several senior government administrators who now occupy influential positions across ministries and other public institutions.

His years in the Presidency have also enabled him to build working relationships with key stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, media practitioners, local government political leaders and officials within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

People familiar with his working style describe him as a politically astute administrator who understands the sensitivities of government and the institutional expectations surrounding the Presidency.

Despite his relatively introverted personality, Kakande is regarded as approachable and supportive of colleagues, with some crediting him for mentoring and nurturing other public servants.

"Notwithstanding his introverted personality, Hajji Kakande is generally a likeable character and is famous for wishing everyone well. He never frustrates or envies anyone. He is a mentor who has nurtured many," a source said.

The source added that Kakande possesses the political sensibilities to understand what amounts to crossing the red line when dealing with the President and the wider State House bureaucracy.

His ability to maintain cordial relations with different stakeholders, coupled with his experience in public administration, has helped him navigate the demands of one of the Presidency's most sensitive offices.

A Vote of Confidence

Kakande's retention comes as President Museveni undertakes a major reorganisation of the senior public service, involving new appointments, redeployments, contract renewals and retentions.

For the Office of the President, retaining an accounting officer with eight years of institutional experience offers continuity in managing its financial, personnel and administrative responsibilities.

His continued service also means that the Presidency will maintain leadership familiar with its internal structures and the complex coordination required between political leadership and the public service.

With his latest retention, Hajji Yunus Kakande remains at the helm of the Office of the President, continuing his role in managing the administrative machinery that supports the Presidency and its wide-ranging government responsibilities.