President Museveni has appointed Alex Kakooza as new Permanent Secretary for Minister for Trade and Industry and Cooperatives, replacing Geraldine Ssali.

This move comes days after Ssali was arrested and charged on July 18, 2024, after reportedly causing government financial loss and coniving with some members of Parliament to embezzle cooperative funds.

An internal memo dated July 26, 2024, convened by the Ministry of Trade top management meeting revealed the decision  to install former Permanent Secretary for the Education ministry, Kakooza, replacing Ssali as Minister of Trade.

Ssali was arraigned before the anti-corruption court by chief magistrate Joan Aciro on July 17, 2024, facing charges of abuse of office, causing financial loss, and conspiracy to defraud.

Other members charged were the Igara East MP, Michael Mawanda, Elgon County MP, and Mudimi Wamakuyu, among others.

The former Permanent Secretary, Ssali, currently remains on remand at Luzira prison awaiting trial by the High Court.