KAMPALA — Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) has restructured several directorates and effected leadership changes as part of efforts to align its operations with the institution’s new establishment.
The changes were announced during a handover and takeover ceremony held at OWC headquarters in Kamwokya, Kampala, on Tuesday.
The ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Chief Coordinator, Brig Gen Godfrey Muwanguzi, on behalf of the Chief Coordinator, Gen (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho.
Brig Gen Muwanguzi said the restructuring followed administrative procedures aimed at realigning OWC’s leadership, functions and operations with its new establishment.
Among the changes was the reconstitution of the former Value Addition function into the Directorate of Value Addition and Manufacturing.
The restructuring also consolidated agricultural functions under the Directorate of Agriculture, bringing together Inputs, Coffee, Cocoa and Tea, Fruits and Horticulture, and Sugarcane Value Chains.
The new appointments and redeployments include Maj Gen (Rtd) John Mateeka as Director of Agriculture; Maj Gen (Rtd) David Wakaalo as Director of Inspectorate, Research and Analysis; and Hon. Kabakumba Masiko as Director of Wealth Creation and Social Action Funds.
Brig Gen (Rtd) JB Mulindwa was appointed Director of Value Addition and Manufacturing, while Brig Gen (Rtd) Jacob Asimwe became Director of Political Affairs and Brig Gen (Rtd) JC Anywar took charge of Infrastructure.
Col Victor Opera was appointed Director of Operations, while Maj (Rtd) Rubaramira Ruranga became Director of Social Services and Outreach Campaigns.
Other appointments included Dr Arigye A. Eugene as Director of Policy, Planning and Development; Eng. John Wambogo as Director of Science, Technology, Innovation and ICT; Mr Allio Emmanuel Ewaku as Director of Investment and Private Sector Development; and Ms Sylvia Damalie Owori as Director of Creatives and Member-Based Organisations.
OWC said some directors and heads of functions retained their existing responsibilities.
During the ceremony, several handovers were conducted, including that involving Maj Gen (Rtd) Wakaalo, who assumed the Inspectorate, Research and Analysis directorate from Col Victor Opera.
AIGP (Rtd) Moses Balimwoyo and Hon. Henry Banyenzaki also took up responsibilities as Principal Advisors to the Chief Coordinator.
OWC Chief Staff Officer Brig Gen James Kaija said leadership changes were part of institutional operations and urged officers and staff to embrace new responsibilities wherever they were deployed.
He also urged the officers to remain focused despite criticism. “Accept criticism as long as you are in your line of duty, remain who you are and let positive results talk. Whoever may not understand you will be challenged by positive outcomes,” Kaija said.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Wakaalo welcomed the restructuring, saying the merging of functions could reduce duplication and improve coordination and management of institutional activities.
He also emphasised the importance of research in supporting evidence-based decision-making. “If you’re going to advise on strategic matters, then one must have facts to present,” Wakaalo said.
He urged OWC staff to translate academic work and research findings into practical solutions, while setting clear goals that integrate systems analysis with organisational processes.
The incoming Director of Value Addition and Manufacturing, Brig Gen (Rtd) JB Mulindwa, said his directorate would focus on teamwork, continuity and addressing institutional gaps while strengthening value addition and manufacturing initiatives.
Hon. Kabakumba Masiko, who moved from the Sugarcane Value Chains function to head Wealth Creation and Social Action Funds, called for continued investment in infrastructure such as roads, markets and agricultural machinery to improve farmers’ productivity and access to processing facilities.
The outgoing Director of Inputs, Maj Gen (Rtd) Elly Kayanjja, stressed the need to ensure that agricultural inputs supplied to farmers are appropriate to their needs and local conditions.
He said effective distribution of inputs was critical to improving agricultural productivity.
Brig Gen Muwanguzi urged the newly appointed directors to execute OWC’s mandate in line with guidance from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and to strengthen the institution’s delivery of government programmes at community level.
He emphasised teamwork, accountability and coordination in ensuring that government programmes achieve their intended impact.
The directors also highlighted the importance of evidence-based monitoring and evaluation, accurate reporting and physical verification of government-supported projects.
They cautioned against relying solely on favourable reports, saying OWC assessments should be based on verifiable evidence and the actual experiences of beneficiaries.
The ceremony was attended by Brig Gen Kaija, directors, departmental heads, specialists, staff officers and other OWC officials.