Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) has reorganised its directorates as part of efforts to strengthen the institution’s operations and improve the delivery of government programmes across the country.
The changes were unveiled during a handover and transition ceremony held at the OWC headquarters in Kamwokya, Kampala.
The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Chief Coordinator Brig. Gen. Godfrey Muwanguzi, who represented OWC Chief Coordinator Gen. (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho, commonly known as Gen. Salim Saleh.
Muwanguzi said the restructuring follows a review of the institution’s administrative and operational arrangements aimed at improving supervision, monitoring, evaluation and support for government programmes at the community level.
One of the major changes is the expansion of the former Value Addition unit into a full Directorate of Value Addition and Manufacturing, reflecting a stronger focus on processing agricultural produce and promoting industrial development.
The agricultural functions have also been brought together under a single Directorate of Agriculture. The directorate will oversee areas that were previously handled separately, including agricultural inputs, coffee, cocoa and tea, fruits and horticulture, and sugarcane value chains.
Under the new arrangement, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) John Mateeka will head the Directorate of Agriculture, while Maj. Gen. (Rtd) David Wakalo takes charge of the Directorate of Inspectorate, Research and Analysis.
Other appointments and redeployments include Hon. Kabakumba Masiko as Director of Wealth Creation and Social Action Funds, Brig. Gen. (Rtd) J.B. Mulindwa as Director of Value Addition and Manufacturing, and Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Jacob Asimwe as Director of Political Affairs.
Brig. Gen. (Rtd) J.C. Anywar has been appointed Director of Infrastructure, while Col. Victor Opera will serve as Director of Operations.
The new leadership team also includes Maj. (Rtd) Rubaramira Ruranga, Director of Social Services and Outreach Campaigns; Dr. Arigye A. Eugene, Director of Policy, Planning and Development; and Eng. John Wambogo, Director of Science, Technology, Innovation and ICT.
Mr. Allio Emmanuel Ewaku will head the Directorate of Investment and Private Sector Development, while Ms. Sylvia Damalie Owori takes charge of Creatives and Member-Based Organisations.
Addressing the newly appointed directors, Muwanguzi urged them to work together, remain accountable and closely monitor the performance of programmes under their respective departments.
He said the work of OWC should remain aligned with the broader government agenda championed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, particularly efforts aimed at improving household incomes and transforming livelihoods.
The outgoing Director of Inputs, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Elly Kayanja, highlighted the importance of ensuring that farmers receive agricultural inputs suited to their particular geographical areas.
According to Kayanja, the effectiveness of agricultural interventions largely depends on whether farmers receive the right inputs at the right time and in locations where they can produce the best results.
Taking over the Value Addition and Manufacturing Directorate, Brig. Gen. (Rtd) J.B. Mulindwa said he would build on the work already done while promoting teamwork, continuity and initiatives aimed at increasing industrial processing.
Hon. Kabakumba Masiko, who has moved from overseeing the Sugarcane Value Chain to the Social Action Funds directorate, called for greater attention to the infrastructure needed to support rural economic activity.
She pointed to feeder roads, markets and processing equipment as some of the key facilities required to help rural communities turn agricultural production into sustainable incomes.
The OWC leadership also stressed the need for accurate information when assessing government projects. Directors were encouraged to base their evaluations on physical inspections, feedback from beneficiaries and evidence gathered from the field rather than relying solely on reports.
The transition ceremony was attended by OWC Chief Staff Officer Brig. Gen. James Kaija, directors, heads of departments, technical personnel and administrative staff.
The restructuring is expected to give OWC a more integrated approach to agriculture, manufacturing, investment and community development as the institution continues implementing government programmes across Uganda.
