Why Geraldine Ssali deserves another chance to serve Uganda into public service under President Museveni’s term
By Brian Mugenyi
Kampala: In public service, few officials leave office without attracting both praise and criticism. But in the case of former Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali, the debate surrounding her future has evolved into one of the most closely watched discussions within Uganda’s governance circles.
As President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni continues consultations ahead of fresh appointments to key government positions, supporters of Ssali have intensified calls for her return to public service, arguing that her record reflects commitment, professionalism and a willingness to protect public resources.
For many observers, the conversation is no longer simply about one individual.
It has become a broader debate about accountability, institutional independence and the kind of leadership Uganda requires as it pursues economic transformation and public sector reforms.
A CAREER DEFINED BY CONTROVERSY AND CONVICTION
Supporters describe Geraldine Ssali as a technocrat who often found herself at the centre of difficult decisions involving government programmes, compensation processes and cooperative assets.
They argue that many of the controversies associated with her tenure arose not because she failed in her duties, but because she attempted to enforce accountability in environments where competing interests were at play.
“Public service is not always about making popular decisions,” one supporter observed.
“Sometimes it is about making the right decisions even when they attract resistance.”
Those who worked closely with her say she consistently emphasised transparency, compliance with procedures and the protection of public resources.
THE COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT QUESTION
Much of the debate surrounding Ssali’s legacy revolves around Uganda’s cooperative movement.
For decades, cooperatives have faced complex challenges involving compensation claims, governance disputes and the management of assets accumulated through the contributions of ordinary members.
Among the most sensitive issues has been the protection of cooperative properties and ensuring that assets intended to benefit members remain safeguarded for future generations.
Supporters argue that throughout these disputes, Ssali maintained a firm position that public and cooperative assets should be protected from misuse or unlawful acquisition.
They insist that many of the structural challenges facing cooperatives existed long before her tenure and should be viewed within a broader historical context.
A QUESTION OF FAIRNESS
As discussions about future appointments continue, supporters increasingly argue that public officials should be assessed based on evidence, performance and lawful processes rather than political narratives or public speculation.
They contend that Uganda’s governance system is strongest when decisions are guided by facts rather than perception.
“Every public servant deserves to be judged fairly,” one governance analyst noted.
“The real test is whether decisions were made within the law and in the public interest.”
This argument has gained traction among sections of the cooperative movement and civil society actors who believe experienced administrators should not be discarded without a balanced evaluation of their record.
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Uganda is currently implementing ambitious programmes aimed at accelerating economic growth, strengthening institutions and improving service delivery.
From agro-industrialisation and wealth creation initiatives to public sector reforms and infrastructure development, government increasingly requires experienced managers capable of navigating complex administrative environments.
Supporters believe Geraldine Ssali remains one of the public officers with the technical expertise and institutional knowledge necessary to contribute to these national priorities.
They argue that experience gained over years of public service should be viewed as an asset rather than a liability.
WHAT PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MUST CONSIDER
As President Museveni weighs future appointments, analysts say the decision-making process will likely focus on competence, integrity, institutional memory and commitment to public service.
For supporters of Geraldine Ssali, these are precisely the qualities that make her worthy of another opportunity.
They argue that Uganda’s development ambitions require leaders who understand government systems, appreciate accountability and possess the courage to defend public interests.
In their view, public service should reward performance, professionalism and dedication rather than popularity.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The debate surrounding Geraldine Ssali ultimately reflects a larger national conversation.
It raises questions about how Uganda treats experienced public servants, how accountability should be assessed and how institutions can balance scrutiny with fairness.
Whether President Museveni ultimately chooses to return her to public service remains his constitutional prerogative.
However, supporters insist that her record deserves objective consideration.
For them, the issue is simple.
Uganda’s future depends on retaining capable leaders who can contribute to national development, strengthen institutions and protect public resources.
And in their assessment, Geraldine Ssali remains one of those leaders.
As the country awaits new appointments, one question continues to resonate across political and administrative circles:
Should experience, resilience and commitment to public service be rewarded with another opportunity to serve?
For Geraldine Ssali’s supporters, the answer is an emphatic yes.
