Geraldine Ssali Busulwa, the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Trade, faces accusations of assaulting a junior staff member, Sandra Aneno Karen, followed by her interdiction.
Aneno works as the senior legal officer of the Ministry.
The altercation, which transpired on April 5, 2024, at 3 pm on the third floor of the Ministry’s offices in Kampala’s Farmers’ House, allegedly commenced when Ssali demanded Aneno vacate her office to make room for the staff of the new State Minister, General Wilson Mbadi Mbasu.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ssali, reportedly stormed Aneno’s office, assaulted the lawyer who later took the matter to the Kampala Central Police Station for investigation under reference number SD/84/05/OLI/2024.
In the aftermath of the incident, Ssali interdicted Aneno, citing “gross unbecoming behavior” such as using abusive language, assault, and insubordination. Aneno was subsequently subjected to a half-salary penalty and travel restrictions until further notice.
Ssali’s interdiction letter demanded an explanation from Aneno within seven working days, setting a deadline of April 16, 2024.
A prime witness to the incident, Gerald Oonyu, PS Ssali’s chief bodyguard, provided an account of the altercation.
According to Oonyu, the encounter unfolded as Ssali and himself commenced office visits to allocate space for Gen. Mbadi’s staff.
Aneno, seated in her office, reportedly erupted into a fury upon Ssali’s arrival, prompting Oonyu to intervene swiftly.
F**ck up……….Bitch
This website has obtained a statement from the prime witness explaining how the fracas erupted.
Gerald Oonyu, the chief bodyguard of PS Ssali wrote that together with his principal they arrived at the Ministry at 10am and the PS immediately started visiting all offices starting from the basement looking for space to accommodate Gen. Mbadi’s staff.
“…..and eventually to the third floor where went to office of Mr Kasirye Julius. The senior commercial officer of the Ministry, and upon reaching there we met the senior legal officer of the ministry madam Aneno Sandra,” writes Gerald Oonyu, a police officer attached to counterterrorism.
He adds: “PS greeted her and informed her that they should leave the office since they will be allocated space within the Ministry.”
“Then madam Aneno started fuming seriously and very loudly to the PS, unfortunately she was fuming while seated in her chair. But as soon as I saw her standing towards the PS I rushed to intervene.”
He further states that, “In the process I got out madam Aneno who seriously insisting going towards the PS. There I had to push her out since I suspected danger towards my principal yet that is my cardinal role to see my principal safe at all times.”
“As I got her out she started using very abusive words like fuck up, fuck you, your are bitch as she was moving towards the office of the honourable minister of state for trade General Mbadi Mbasu who was seated momentarily as they renovated his office. That is what I can state.”
