By Diana N. Kintu
The Government of Uganda has summoned 237 Heads of Human Resource Management from local governments across the country to attend a two-week orientation programme at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen professionalism, enhance accountability, and curb corruption within the public service.
Presiding over the opening ceremony, Mr Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, emphasised the Government’s firm stance against corruption in recruitment. He underscored that all government job vacancies must be publicly advertised and accompanied by clear disclaimers warning citizens against paying bribes to secure employment.
“Recruitment into government positions does not attract any fees. Any attempt to solicit money is corruption and must be resisted at all costs,” he stated.
The orientation programme, organised by the Ministry of Local Government in collaboration with the Civil Service College and the National Leadership Institute, is designed to reposition human resource managers as strategic leaders within the public service. It aims to move beyond routine administrative functions and instead cultivate a more proactive, ethical, and results-oriented approach to human resource management.
According to the statement, the training is anchored on the core values of patience, commitment, and sacrifice—principles regarded as essential for effective leadership and service delivery in the public sector. Participants are expected to internalise these values and apply them in their day-to-day responsibilities.
Mr Kumumanya further noted that the orientation would focus on strengthening key human resource functions, including transparent recruitment practices, proper payroll management, and efficient pension administration. These areas have historically presented challenges within the public service and are considered critical to restoring integrity and public confidence.
“We must revolutionise the human resource function in government to ensure integrity, efficiency, and accountability,” he remarked, adding that HR leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the culture and performance of public institutions.
The training also seeks to enhance the capacity of HR officers to align recruitment and workforce management practices with Uganda’s national development priorities. By doing so, the Government aims to ensure that the public service is staffed by competent, qualified, and ethical individuals who can effectively contribute to the country’s socio-economic transformation.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated that the directive on transparent job advertising is specifically intended to protect citizens from exploitation while promoting fairness and equal opportunity. He urged participants to act as role models within their jurisdictions by upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and impartiality.
According to the statement, this orientation programme forms part of a wider reform agenda aimed at strengthening Uganda’s public administration systems. By addressing gaps in recruitment and payroll management, the Government hopes to eliminate inefficiencies and build a more disciplined, transparent, and citizen-centred public service.
The Ministry of Local Government emphasised that the training reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to institutional reform and good governance. It is expected that upon completion of the programme, participants will return to their respective stations better equipped to implement policies effectively, enforce ethical standards, and contribute to a more accountable and service-oriented public sector.
Ultimately, the initiative is seen as a significant step towards fostering a culture of integrity and professionalism within Uganda’s public service, thereby enhancing its capacity to deliver on the nation’s development agenda.