The Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, has challenged administrative officers to embrace discipline, hard work and professionalism if they are to achieve career growth and strengthen service delivery.
Speaking at the opening of the 5th Administrative Officers’ Forum at Mbale Resort Hotel, Mbale City, Nakyobe said focus, integrity and adaptability remain key for officers who wish to remain relevant in public service.
“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 said.
The four-day workshop, held under the theme “Fostering Public Confidence through Transparent and Accountable Governance,” brought together Undersecretaries, Principal Assistant Secretaries, Senior Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries from central government.
Nakyobe urged officers to build stamina, make firm decisions, and embrace digital tools to improve efficiency.
“You should be tough and don’t mistake being tough to being unkind. You need to make decisions. I prefer someone who makes a wrong decision to someone who doesn’t make any decision at all,” she said.
She further called on administrators to master office management, timekeeping, customer service, record-keeping, and timely reporting.
“Don’t spoil the service. We want service delivery in the government, that’s why you are called administrative officers,” she added.
Nakyobe also opposed renewing contracts for retiring senior officers, stressing that younger professionals should take on such roles.
“I’m going to write to the President that those who go to him, he shouldn’t accept,” she said.
In his remarks, Hajji Yunus Kakande, Secretary Office of the President, praised Nakyobe for protecting the role of Administrative Officers when there were plans to expand responsibilities 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.
Kakande welcomed the government’s salary enhancement for Undersecretaries and Commissioners but urged administrators to guard against corruption and misuse of office.
“You must always uphold the highest standards of professionalism. The fight against corruption starts with you. Administrators must be champions of accountability as well as ensuring transparency in all processes under their supervision,” he cautioned.
He also encouraged senior officers to mentor juniors through information sharing and capacity building.
“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 said.
Dr. Emmanuel Freddie Mugunga, Chairperson of the Public Administration Association of Uganda, said the forum is deliberately rotated for learning and exposure purposes. He pledged the officers’ commitment to transparency and effective service delivery.
The forum aims to address challenges affecting the administrative cadre in central government while creating a platform to share experiences and best practices.
