Behind Closed Doors: Untold Story of Muhanga's Arrest, the Power Struggles Within Uganda Education

In June 2018, chaos erupted within the Ministry of Education after President Yoweri Museveni ordered the arrest of Martin Muhanga, a prominent internal audit staff member.

Muhanga, who is the brother of renowned journalist Andrew Mwenda, had gained considerable power within the ministry despite his low-ranking position.

His influence was mainly due to his close connections to both Minister Janet Museveni and his direct access to President Museveni, which allowed him to play a significant role in decision-making.

Muhanga's rise to power started when Dr. Nassali Lukwago was appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education.

Unlike her predecessor FX Lubanga, who was known for his firm leadership, Dr. Lukwago was more reserved and relied on powerful allies like Muhanga to strengthen her position.

Muhanga, originally from Toro Kingdom, began to exert considerable influence, with his advice often determining the ministry's decisions.

Sources revealed that many technocrats who disagreed with Dr. Lukwago were sidelined or forced out after Muhanga's intervention.

As Muhanga's power grew, he became so influential that he reported directly to both the President and the Minister, bypassing other senior officials at the ministry.

However, his unchecked influence led to tensions within the ministry, and investigations into his activities prompted President Museveni to take action.

The President's intervention led to the arrest and interrogation of Muhanga by the Uganda Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), headed by Grace Akullo.

This move has stirred significant controversy, highlighting the growing influence of powerful figures within government ministries and the tension between politics, power, and administrative decisions.