Government has unveiled sweeping reforms in the public service, warning that job security will now depend on performance and delivery of results.
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, announced the changes while addressing local government human resource managers and Secretaries to District Service Commissions at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.
Nakyobe revealed plans to amend standing orders to ensure that the “permanent and pensionable” status of public servants is tied to meeting set targets. She emphasized stricter supervision, monitoring, and evaluation across government institutions, warning against complacency among officials.
As part of the reforms, Permanent Secretaries and heads of departments will be subject to mandatory rotations every three years to prevent the entrenchment of influence and patronage. She cautioned that resistance to transfers would not be tolerated.
Nakyobe also raised concerns about widespread corruption and unprofessional conduct among some human resource managers, accusing them of being disrespectful, unpatriotic, and complicit in corrupt practices. She pointed out that corruption extends beyond district commissions to central government agencies, undermining recruitment and weakening the public service.
To address this, she proposed changes in how members of District Service Commissions are appointed, noting that the current system—where local leaders recommend candidates—often creates conflicts of interest and compromises integrity.
She urged human resource managers to uphold professionalism and take broader responsibility for staff welfare, integrity, and productivity, warning that compromised recruitment processes weaken the entire system.
Meanwhile, Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, echoed concerns about corruption, particularly in job recruitment. He warned officials against selling jobs and encouraged the public to report corruption cases.
Kumumanya said all job advertisements now include warnings against paying bribes, stressing that soliciting money for employment is illegal. However, he noted that efforts to prosecute offenders are often hindered by lack of evidence, as many victims fear to report cases to agencies such as the Inspector General of Government and the Criminal Investigations Directorate.
He urged citizens and officials alike to remain committed to fighting corruption, even when it comes at a personal cost.