Who is Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire? Flash Uganda Media looks at her biography, age, husband, family, career, work and experience, relationship with Frank Musingwiire, early life and education of the current Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Public Service.
Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire is the current Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Public Service.
This is the principal institution responsible for human resource management across Uganda’s public sector.
Early Life
Catherine Bitarakwate was born on 7th April in Western Uganda. She has since maintained strong ties to her community.
Education Background
She pursued her higher education at Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration (SWASA)Degree.
Her advanced qualifications include a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from the Mediterranean Institute of Management, Cyprus.
Education background summary
| Years | Institution | Status /Award |
| Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | |
| Mediterranean Institute of Management, Cyprus | Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management | |
| Makerere University | Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration |
Other academic accomplishments
While at Makerere University, she also pursued further studies in Leadership and Human Relations, reinforcing her expertise in people-centred management.
Family Background
Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire is married to Frank Musingwiire, who represents the Public Service Commission as a member of the Uganda Judicial Service Commission.
Career and Professional Work Experience
Catherine Musingwire has over two decades of experience in Uganda’s public sector.
She has held senior management roles at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). She has also held positions in various ministries and commissions, including the Ministry of Health, Mulago National Referral Hospital, the Health Service Commission, and the Public Service Commission.
These roles have enriched her practical understanding of staffing systems, policy implementation, and organizational leadership.
She also served as an Assistant Commissioner for Compensation in the Ministry of Public Service.
Since 2016, Catherine has been the Permanent Secretary (PS) / Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Public Service.
As Permanent Secretary, Catherine is responsible for human resource management across Uganda’s public service. She oversees the formulation of strategic policies, operational leadership, and administrative oversight for workforce governance in the country’s civil service sector.
Work experience background summary
| Years | Institution | Position |
| 2016 – Present | Ministry of Public Service | Permanent Secretary / Chief Executive Officer |
| Ministry of Public Service | Assistant Commissioner for Compensation |
Other Career Accomplishments
Some of her accomplishments include: leading the implementation of digital systems like the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (IPPS) and the Human Capital Management (HCM) system rollout.
She also oversaw the rationalisation of government agencies (RAPEX) and the implementation of revised salary structures.
Catherine serves as the Patron of the Uganda Public Service Human Resource Management Network (UPSHRMNet), Uganda Chapter.
She is also the head of the Public Sector Transformation program, a key initiative within Uganda’s National Development Plan III (2021-2026).
Achievements and Awards
Catherine Musingwiire’s significant achievements are reflected in her long and impactful leadership in high-level government roles in Uganda.
Her leadership during major systemic reforms, including payroll rationalization, pension-scheme redesign, institutional restructuring, and workforce induction programmes, represents a significant contribution to public-service governance and sustainable public administration.
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