‘Corruption extends beyond financial theft’ - Nakyobe warns administrative officers
Nakyobe said corruption is not only the theft of public funds; it also includes favouritism, conflicts of interest, deliberate delays, abuse of authority, manipulation of procedures, and interference in recruitment and procurement processes.
Lucy Nakyobe, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet (centre) in a group photo with other participants during the four-day forum at Bomah hotel in Gulu. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)
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GULU CITY — Lucy Nakyobe, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, has cautioned administrative officers against corruption, abuse of office, and behaviours that undermine public service delivery.
She emphasised the need for professionals who can be trusted with public resources and sensitive processes.
Nakyobe said corruption is not only the theft of public funds; it also includes favouritism, conflicts of interest, deliberate delays, abuse of authority, manipulation of procedures, and interference in recruitment and procurement processes.
“Corruption goes beyond stealing money. Arriving late, favoritism, conflicts of interest, and failure to enforce established procedures are all forms of corruption that threaten service delivery,” Nakyobe said on Thursday, September 10, during the ongoing 6th Administrative Officers’ Forum.
Held at Bomah Hotel in Gulu City, the four-day forum is themed “Awake for Service: Professional Public Administration for Integrity, Accountability, and National Transformation.”
Nakyobe said administrative officers play a critical role in government by influencing administrative processes, managing information, and supporting the implementation of government decisions.
“Public service requires people who can be trusted. When public resources are entrusted to you, you must protect them,” she reiterated.
She urged officers to strengthen internal controls, maintain proper records, follow due process, and ensure that government decisions are implemented transparently and accountably.
“Administration is the engine room of the government. I assure you that the government cannot function without good administrators. When administration is weak, the entire institution is weak, and vice versa,” she stated.
Nakyobe further challenged administrative officers to continually enhance their professional competencies, innovate, and adapt to changes in the public service to remain relevant and competitive.
She described the Administrative Cadre as one of the historically strongest and most respected groups in the Public Service due to its discipline, versatility, professional knowledge, and leadership.
However, she cautioned officers against allowing administration to become overly focused on routine procedures at the expense of institutional performance and measurable results.
According to Nakyobe, administrative officers need to develop a comprehensive understanding of government systems, including planning, budgeting, public financial management, procurement, human resource management, performance management, records and information management, government reforms, policy implementation, accountability systems, and the legal and regulatory framework governing the public service.
“You cannot effectively coordinate what you do not understand. You cannot adequately supervise work that you do not comprehend. And you cannot provide credible administrative advice if your knowledge of government systems is superficial,” she explained.
She emphasised that continuous professional development should be treated as a personal responsibility, noting that competence is ultimately shown through knowledge, sound judgment, problem-solving abilities, and results.
Transfers are not punitive
Nakyobe also defended the government's policy of transferring officers within common cadres, advising employees against resisting these transfers. She clarified that transfers are stipulated in the Public Service Standing Orders and are not a decision made by herself or President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“Transfers are not a creation of Nakyobe or His Excellency the President. It is a fundamental aspect of the Public Service Standing Orders. There has been laxity in implementation, and we are now addressing that,” she said.
Ms Nakyobe emphasised that transfers are not punitive measures but are vital for public service management, aimed at promoting professional exposure, experience-sharing, institutional renewal, and career development.
She also cautioned responsible officers against using transfers to victimise employees, insisting that the policy must be implemented fairly and in accordance with the Public Service Standing Orders.
Nakyobe remarked that staying in one institution or position for too long can present risks, including the scenario where a single officer becomes the sole custodian of critical government processes.
“No public officer should become the undisputed master of any government process simply because they have remained in one position for many years,” she stated.
She pledged to uphold the policy of transfers, reinforcing the point that government operations must never rely on one individual.
Additionally, Nakyobe urged administrative officers to maintain a professional relationship with political leaders, avoiding actions that could compromise their public duties. “You must remain professional and should not engage in activities that undermine your responsibilities,” she stated.
She highlighted that hard work, integrity, humility, and commitment are essential qualities for public servants aiming to build successful careers. “Hard work builds confidence, creates opportunities, and earns the trust of your superiors and colleagues. I encourage all of you to be professional,” she urged.
PAAU gets new leadership
The outgoing Chairperson of the Public Administrators Association of Uganda (PAAU), Freddie Emmanuel Mugunga, informed Nakyobe that the association has elected new leadership, headed by Ms Catherine Nassuna, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Mugunga also announced that administrative officers have adopted by-laws for their social welfare fund and elected an executive committee to manage this initiative. “Madam, we are also grateful for your efforts in advocating for our salary enhancement,” Mugunga said.
Meanwhile, Jonam County MP Marshall Alenyo, who is a member of the Parliamentary Budget Committee, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability among public servants. He assured administrative officers that he would advocate for improved remuneration if the issue arose before the Parliamentary Budget Committee.
The forum brought together administrative officers to discuss professionalism, integrity, accountability, institutional performance, and the role of public administration in national transformation.