New defence ministry undersecretary Muhindo pledges diligence

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Defence ministry's new undersecretary, Moris Muhindo, has pledged to be diligent about his work and faithful to the appointing authority, President Yoweri Museveni.

He pledged shortly after a Thanksgiving ceremony, graced by chief guest Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, to celebrate his appointment at Méstil Hotel in Kampala on March 8, 2026.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Muhindo thanked Museveni for identifying and trusting him.

Defence ministry's new undersecretary, Moris Muhindo (Left) with chief guest Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, at the celebration of his appointment at Méstil Hotel in Kampala on March 8, 2026. (Courtesy)

“I can only pay you and the country back through diligent and faithful service,” he told the President, who appointed him to this position three months ago.  

Muhindo, who is in his late 30s, was serving as a senior policy analyst in the Office of the Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, when he was appointed.

Defence ministry's new undersecretary, Moris Muhindo. (Courtesy)

There are three undersecretaries in the ministry, namely Edith Butooro (in charge of finance and administration), Francis Ngabirano (logistics) and James Mutabazi (air force).

By the time of writing this story, it was not yet clear who among the trio Muhindo replaced.

When contacted, defence minister Jacob Marksons Oboth told New Vision Online that he was aware that Muhindo was appointed, but was not specific about where he had been posted.

“I know he was appointed, but I have not seen any correspondence to that effect. That should be to the [ministry’s] permanent secretary (Rosette Byengoma). They may not copy to me (because) that is administration,” the minister said on Monday (March 9, 2026).

Muhindo said that by appointing him, the President has challenged him to deliver on a sacred trust. 

“Like the Deputy Speaker rightly counselled, this is a challenge by the appointing authority to deliver on a sacred trust and I am ready to offer my best efforts and fully apply myself to the execution of this function with utmost loyalty,” he said.

He also said he and his wife remain eternally grateful to all those who, over the years, have extended their support to them and promise to make them proud.

Tayebwa also took to X after the ceremony and said he told Muhindo that he does not look at the promotion as a celebration but rather as the launch of a new challenge and responsibility.

“Public service, especially in such a sensitive institution, demands integrity, discipline and a deep sense of duty,” he said.

He encouraged the new undersecretary to remain the sober, reliable, and trustworthy leader they have always known him to be—qualities that have earned him the confidence of many.

“Handling government and classified documents requires the highest level of trust. I advised him to protect government secrets diligently while ensuring transparency and professionalism in his office. Trust remains the most important currency in public service,” the Deputy Speaker stated.

He also reminded him that leadership is a continuous journey of learning and that personal development, reading, and undertaking training every year are essential to strengthening one’s capacity to serve.

“In that spirit, I recommended that he reads The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav, which speaks about the difference between external power and authentic power that comes from within—power grounded in integrity, responsibility, and accountability. He will need to espouse authentic power,” Tayebwa wrote.

He also noted that Muhindo is a brilliant young man and a loyal National Resistance Movement (NRM) party cadre who has served faithfully.

“I am confident that under the leadership of H.E. @KagutaMuseveni and the senior team at the Ministry, he will perform his duties diligently,” he posted, wishing Muhindo the very best as he serves his motherland with the highest level of integrity and dedication.

On his part, Obua described Muhindo’s appointment as a milestone. “The Thanksgiving was a moment of gratitude, reflection and celebrating the trust placed in Moris to serve our country with diligence, integrity, and commitment,” he added via X.

He also wished him the very best to serve the people of Uganda and the country with wisdom, humility, and dedication.

Justine Kasule Lumumba, the minister of general duties in the Office of the Prime Minister and former NRM secretary general, also took to X and said Muhindo is one of the very many young people they have mentored. “This achievement makes us proud,” she added.

Muhindo also once served as the NRM Youth League secretary general.