The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, has called on Administrative Officers across the country to embrace hard work, discipline and professionalism if they are to build lasting careers and deliver effective service to Ugandans.
“You should be disciplined and hardworking, with that you will reach the top. If you are a true administrator, you can fit anywhere they put you,” she emphasized.
Nakyobe made the remarks while officiating at the opening of the 5th Administrative Officers’ Forum at Mbale Resort Hotel in Mbale City. The four-day forum has attracted Undersecretaries, Principal Assistant Secretaries, Senior Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries from across government.
Held under the theme “Fostering Public Confidence through Transparent and Accountable Governance”, the forum provides a platform for officers to discuss challenges in the cadre, share experiences, and explore ways to improve service delivery.
Nakyobe advised officers to build stamina, uphold integrity, and maintain toughness in decision-making while balancing firmness with kindness.
“You should be tough and don’t mistake being tough to being unkind. You should be tough but kind. You need to make decisions. I prefer someone who makes a wrong decision to someone who doesn’t make any decision at all,” she stated.
She further reminded the officers that competence in office management, strong organizational skills, customer care, multitasking, attention to detail and effective time management were essential qualities for their profession.
“You need to do proper books and records keeping and do timely reports to keep the work moving forward,” she cautioned. “Don’t spoil the service. We want service delivery in the government, that’s why you are called administrative officers.”
Highlighting the changing demands of modern governance, Nakyobe urged officers to embrace technology, pointing out that digital tools are already transforming management and improving efficiency in government.
She also used the opportunity to thank the Secretary, Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, for his dedication to strengthening the cadre and for the support he has given her personally.
“I want to also thank Hajji Kakande for loving the Public Service. What you don’t know is that this man is also my advisor. Most of the things I do, it’s because of him. I thank him for being open and giving me all the support I want. That has enabled me to achieve what I have achieved so far and I don’t take that for granted,” she said.
On succession planning, Nakyobe opposed the practice of extending contracts to senior officers who have retired, stressing that opportunities should instead be given to younger professionals in the service.
“I’m going to write to the President that those who go to him, he shouldn’t accept,” she declared.
In his remarks, Hajji Kakande commended Nakyobe for her role in safeguarding the relevance of Administrative Officers, noting that there had been an attempt to deprive Undersecretaries of their roles in favor of Directors.
“We thank you for the landmark leadership in 2022 where it was decided that the Undersecretaries should be in charge of administration, planning and finance,” he said. “Administrative cadres now at least have some breathing space. I implore you don’t allow the coming back of such issues Madam. The issue of the Director doesn’t have any meaning as far as administration is concerned.”
Kakande also appreciated government’s salary enhancements for Undersecretaries and Commissioners, which he said would improve their welfare.
“With this enhancement of salary, if the person has a child at the university, he will be able to pay tuition for him/her and also live a decent life. The enhanced pension can sustain you in your retirement,” he noted.
However, he cautioned officers against abusing their authority.
“You are the engine of your respective ministries and you have all the powers but don’t misuse it. Be logical when dealing with your colleagues. You must be able to fulfill your tasks diligently and on time because you don’t have any reason why you shouldn’t be hardworking,” he warned.
Kakande also tasked senior administrators with mentoring junior officers so that no one is left behind.
“We must build a pipeline of capable administrators. I therefore urge you to actively mentor the officers below you. Share knowledge, guide them, and model the professionalism we expect.”
He reminded the officers that discipline is non-negotiable and stressed the importance of fighting corruption within their ranks.
“You must strictly adhere to the Public Service Standing Orders and the Ethical code of conduct. Any deviation not only undermines your credibility but brings disrepute to the cadre. You must always uphold the highest standards of professionalism. The fight against corruption starts with you. I caution you against any corruption tendencies—be it in procurement, financial management, or use of government assets. Administrators must be champions of accountability as well ensuring transparency in all processes under their supervision,” he emphasized.
The Chairperson of the Public Administration Association of Uganda, Dr. Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga, praised the decision to rotate the forum across different regions, explaining that it enhances learning and exposure.
“We thank the Office of the President for the continued budgetary support,” he said.
Dr. Mugunga also pledged on behalf of Administrative Officers to serve the public with honesty and transparency, reaffirming their commitment to effective service delivery.
Ultimately, the goal of the Administrative Officers’ Forum remains to address challenges affecting the cadre while creating a platform for knowledge-sharing, peer learning and reinforcing the values of discipline, accountability and integrity in Uganda’s public service.
