Agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze has applauded the decision to appoint Stephen Asiimwe as the new executive director of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).

PSFU is Uganda's apex body for the private sector.

Dr. Elly Karuhanga, the PSFU board chairman, said this Friday that Asiimwe's appointment took immediate effect.

The minister congratulated Asiimwe on his appointment as PSFU boss and thanked Karuhanga and his board for 'correctly tapping this great mind'. 

Asiimwe replaces the late Gideon Badagawa, who passed away in June this year.

Since Badagawa's death, the deputy executive director, Francis Kisirinya, has been the acting executive director.

Before his appointment, Asiimwe has been the PFSU's director of policy and business development, a position he has served in for one year.

"The board would like to particularly thank Mr. Kisirinya for leading the transitional process. The board also appreciates management and staff for the great work of holding ship," said Karuhanga in a statement.

Adding: "Asiimwe has experience spanning over 30 years in both government and private sector at management, leadership and business leadership levels in Uganda and globally.

"We request you to give him complete cooperation so that he can deliver the best of his services for the benefits of the staff, Board, PSFU members, the private sector and Uganda as a whole."

When contacted Friday morning, Asiimwe was upbeat and said the experience and networks he has built in his three decades of work in the media, private sector, government, regional and international organization will come in handy.

Calling it a 'new venture', Asiimwe said he is also energized by the team around him.