KAGENYI LUKKA: Hajji Yunus Kakande, The Seasoned Administrator At The Helm Of The Office Of The President

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion piece praising Hajji Yunus Kakande after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s reshuffle of permanent secretaries and related senior officials across government. The article says Kakande, who serves as Secretary and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, was retained in his post while other officials were moved or replaced. The writer presents the decision as a signal of continuity in a sensitive part of government administration.

According to the piece, Kakande has spent much of his career in public service and rose through administrative ranks before taking charge of the Office of the President in 2018 after the death of his predecessor, Mama Tecla Kinalwa. The article describes him as the longest-serving under secretary in that office before his promotion and argues that his experience has helped keep the institution stable.

The commentary also portrays Kakande as a mentor to staff, especially resident district commissioners and other officials who work around the presidency. It credits him with promoting discipline, procedure and familiarity with public service rules, and says his style contrasts with more intimidating management approaches.

The article further links his retention to broader administrative goals, saying continuity helps preserve institutional memory and support reforms. It also highlights his working relationship with Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda, citing the launch of the Office of the President Clients Charter in April as an example of their joint focus on service delivery.