Gov’t Tightens Grip On Public Service With Performance-Based Reports
By Kyeyune Ali
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and integrity within Uganda’s civil service, warning that government employees will only retain their positions if they meet performance targets.
Speaking to heads of Local Government human resource managers and Secretaries to District Service Commissions (DSCs) at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, Nakyobe emphasized that the era of guaranteed job security without accountability is coming to an end.
“We are going to revise the standing orders. You will only remain permanent and pensionable if you deliver,” she said, signaling a shift toward a performance-based public service.
The reforms will also strengthen monitoring, inspection, evaluation, and supervision mechanisms across government institutions. Nakyobe criticized some officials for complacency, warning that inefficiency will no longer be tolerated.
“Some of you sit in your offices and forget why you are there. This is no longer going to be business as usual,” she cautioned.
Among the key changes is the introduction of mandatory rotation for Permanent Secretaries and heads of departments, who will now serve a maximum of three years in a single posting before being transferred. The move is intended to curb entrenched interests and promote transparency in public administration.
“The idea that certain officers ‘belong’ to specific offices must stop. Regular transfers will ensure fairness and accountability,” Nakyobe said, adding that those who resist reassignment risk dismissal.
Addressing corruption, Nakyobe acknowledged widespread malpractice within recruitment systems, including in District Service Commissions and the Public Service Commission. She described corruption in public service as a “fact,” not merely an allegation, and called for urgent structural reforms.
She proposed changes in the appointment process of DSC members, noting that political influence often compromises merit-based recruitment. “When someone recommends you, there is often an expectation of loyalty, which undermines professionalism,” she explained.
Nakyobe urged human resource managers to uphold integrity, stressing their critical role in shaping a competent and ethical workforce. She also challenged them to go beyond administrative duties and take responsibility for the welfare of public servants.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, warned against the commercialization of jobs in local governments. He revealed that directives have been issued requiring all job advertisements to clearly state that no fees should be paid for employment opportunities.
“Anyone asking for money in exchange for a job is engaging in corruption, and that is illegal,” Kumumanya said.
He cited lack of evidence and fear among whistleblowers as major barriers to prosecuting corruption cases, urging the public to report wrongdoing to agencies such as the Inspector General of Government (IGG), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
The reforms mark a significant policy shift as the government seeks to rebuild public trust and enhance service delivery through stricter accountability measures within its workforce.