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Nakyobe to new ministers: time for relaxation is over, fight corruption
The orientation is designed to equip ministers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver on national priorities and accelerate Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
The head of public service and secretary to cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, delivering her maiden speech to over 70 cabinet and state ministers during the launch of their one-week induction programme at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi on Monday (June 15). (Courtesy photo)
By: Charles Etukuri, Journalist @New Vision
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The head of public service and secretary to cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, has urged the newly appointed ministers to play a key role in the fight against corruption and abuse of office in their respective ministries.
“We must fight corruption and eliminate abuse of public office. We must embrace innovation and modernisation because the future of governance lies in efficient, transparent and citizen-centred service delivery. Corruption, abuse of office, impunity and inefficiency undermine public trust, weaken institutions and divert resources away from national development,” Nakyobe said as she delivered her maiden speech to over 70 cabinet and state ministers during the launch of their one-week induction programme at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi on Monday (June 15).
Nakyobe said President Yoweri Museveni had sounded a wake-up call on the fight against corruption.
“There is no more room for complacency. To the new ministers, I must candidly say that the time for relaxation is over. Public service demands commitment and sacrifice. To the returning ministers, it cannot be business as usual. The era of simply sitting in offices and waiting for reports is gone. Leaders must get out into the field, monitor government programmes, oversee service delivery and ensure that public resources are translating into real benefits for citizens. The President's eyes cannot physically be everywhere, but the eyes of the public are ever present, and they see everything. We must, therefore, remain mindful that our actions, decisions and conduct are constantly under public scrutiny,” the head of public service said.
She congratulated each of the cabinet members upon their appointment. The induction of the new ministers is aimed at deepening their understanding of government operations, cabinet procedures, policy implementation, and strategic leadership.
The theme of this retreat is "Leading Government with Integrity, Discipline and Results Delivery for Uganda's Attainment of Upper Middle-Income Status."
The orientation is designed to equip ministers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver on national priorities and accelerate Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
Nakyobe informed the ministers that their selection is a reflection of the confidence and trust that the President and the people of Uganda have placed in their leadership and abilities.
"I thank you for accepting this solemn responsibility at a critical time when our country is accelerating its journey towards social and economic transformation,” Nakyobe said.
She congratulated each of the cabinet members upon their appointment. The induction of the new ministers is aimed at deepening their understanding of government operations, cabinet procedures, policy implementation, and strategic leadership.
The theme of this retreat is "Leading Government with Integrity, Discipline and Results Delivery for Uganda's Attainment of Upper Middle-Income Status."
The orientation is designed to equip ministers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver on national priorities and accelerate Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
Nakyobe informed the ministers that their selection is a reflection of the confidence and trust that the President and the people of Uganda have placed in their leadership and abilities.
"I thank you for accepting this solemn responsibility at a critical time when our country is accelerating its journey towards social and economic transformation,” Nakyobe said.
She also took the opportunity to appreciate the outgoing Cabinet Ministers whose dedicated service has contributed significantly to the progress on which the current leaders continue to build today.
“This induction programme is not merely an orientation exercise; it is a strategic leadership programme designed to prepare you for the demands of modern governance. It is intended to ensure that from the very beginning of your tenure, you are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values and networks necessary to deliver results for the people of Uganda,” Nakyobe said.
Nakyobe said Uganda's aspirations are clear: “We seek to transform our economy, eradicate poverty, expand opportunities for our people, strengthen our public institutions—especially the Public Service—and attain sustainable socio-economic transformation. These aspirations are clearly articulated in Vision 2040, the National Development Plan, and the strategic direction consistently provided by His Excellency the President. Achieving these ambitions requires more than good intentions. It demands disciplined leadership in both thought and action. It calls for integrity above personal interests, accountability for results, and a clear understanding that public office is a sacred trust bestowed upon us by the citizens of this Republic,” she noted.
She warned the ministers that members of the public are not merely looking for well-written policies and plans - they are looking for tangible improvements in their daily lives.
“They want quality schools for their children, functional health facilities, reliable infrastructure, increased household incomes, decent jobs, improved service delivery and, above all, accountable leadership. The question before us is no longer whether the Government has programmes in place. Rather, the question is whether these programmes are producing measurable and meaningful impact for our people,” she stated.
Nakyobe said the President has repeatedly emphasised the need to fight corruption, eradicate poverty and accelerate socio-economic transformation through initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other wealth creation programmes.
“He has consistently challenged leaders at all levels to move beyond the comfort of their offices and engage directly with communities to ensure that government interventions reach the intended beneficiaries,” she said.
The head of public service reminded the ministers that the President had appointed them to support him in carrying the immense responsibility of steering the nation forward.
“For some of you, this is your first opportunity to serve as Cabinet Ministers, and I have no doubt that your appointment is a testament to your competence and potential. For those who have previously served in Cabinet, your reappointment reflects the continued confidence that the President has in your abilities and experience. For those returning after a period away from Cabinet, this is a second chance to contribute to national transformation. I encourage you all to make the most of this opportunity and never take it for granted,” she stated.
Nakyobe said a lot is happening across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. “We know the challenges that exist, and we know the actions required to address them. This induction, therefore, comes at a very opportune moment. Over the course of this programme, you will be exposed to a comprehensive curriculum covering the fundamental responsibilities of cabinet leadership. You will examine the structure and functioning of the Government and its three arms (executive, judiciary and legislature), cabinet business and decision-making processes, public policy formulation, strategic planning and budgeting, integrity, communication, diplomacy, as well as the legal and institutional frameworks that govern public administration,” she said.
She reminded ministers that they are required to engage in discussions on ministerial accountability and performance management. "The roles and responsibilities of ministers have already been distributed, and I encourage each of you to study them carefully, seek clarification where necessary, and fully understand the expectations attached to your office. At the conclusion of this retreat, these responsibilities should be translated into measurable actions aligned with your respective ministerial policy statements.”
She said cabinet shall discuss and agree upon the performance commitments that will guide the ministers' work. "Accountability for results will be at the centre of our leadership. Attention will also be given to strengthening the capacity for monitoring and evaluation of government programmes and projects. This is essential because the success of government is not determined by what is planned, but by what is effectively implemented and what impact is ultimately realised.”
Nakyobe informed the ministers that they would also undertake a study visit to the Albertine Graben, including the Kingfisher oil development project, to appreciate the scale of national investments currently underway and the transformative role that strategic infrastructure and industrialisation play in accelerating economic growth and regional development.
“One of the most important lessons this induction seeks to reinforce is the principle of collective responsibility. Cabinet is not a collection of individual ministries pursuing separate agendas. Rather, it is a unified institution working towards a common national purpose. Success in government requires collaboration across sectors, alignment of priorities and a whole-of-government approach to addressing the complex challenges facing our country,” she noted.
As head of public service and secretary to cabinet, Nakyobe said, “I wish to assure you that the Public Service stands ready to support you in executing your mandate. Our role is to provide the technical expertise, institutional memory, policy advice and administrative support necessary to translate political commitments into effective programmes and measurable outcomes.”
Nakyobe said if Uganda is to attain the upper middle-income status, “we must build a culture where integrity is rewarded, accountability is upheld, and service to the public remains our foremost priority. As leaders, we must set the standard through our own conduct. Discipline is not optional. Hard work is indispensable. Commitment is non-negotiable.”
She reminded the ministers that the standards they will tolerate within their ministries will quickly become the standards by which those institutions operate.
“If we tolerate corruption, poor conduct and non-performance, those vices will become entrenched. Conversely, if we uphold integrity, professionalism and excellence, our institutions will reflect those values. Let us, therefore, rise to the challenge and answer the President's call to drive our country towards modernity and prosperity,” she stated.
Nakyobe thanked President Museveni, the National Leadership Institute, all participating Ministries, Departments and Agencies, that contributed to organising the induction programme.
“This induction programme is not merely an orientation exercise; it is a strategic leadership programme designed to prepare you for the demands of modern governance. It is intended to ensure that from the very beginning of your tenure, you are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values and networks necessary to deliver results for the people of Uganda,” Nakyobe said.
Nakyobe said Uganda's aspirations are clear: “We seek to transform our economy, eradicate poverty, expand opportunities for our people, strengthen our public institutions—especially the Public Service—and attain sustainable socio-economic transformation. These aspirations are clearly articulated in Vision 2040, the National Development Plan, and the strategic direction consistently provided by His Excellency the President. Achieving these ambitions requires more than good intentions. It demands disciplined leadership in both thought and action. It calls for integrity above personal interests, accountability for results, and a clear understanding that public office is a sacred trust bestowed upon us by the citizens of this Republic,” she noted.
She warned the ministers that members of the public are not merely looking for well-written policies and plans - they are looking for tangible improvements in their daily lives.
“They want quality schools for their children, functional health facilities, reliable infrastructure, increased household incomes, decent jobs, improved service delivery and, above all, accountable leadership. The question before us is no longer whether the Government has programmes in place. Rather, the question is whether these programmes are producing measurable and meaningful impact for our people,” she stated.
Nakyobe said the President has repeatedly emphasised the need to fight corruption, eradicate poverty and accelerate socio-economic transformation through initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other wealth creation programmes.
“He has consistently challenged leaders at all levels to move beyond the comfort of their offices and engage directly with communities to ensure that government interventions reach the intended beneficiaries,” she said.
The head of public service reminded the ministers that the President had appointed them to support him in carrying the immense responsibility of steering the nation forward.
“For some of you, this is your first opportunity to serve as Cabinet Ministers, and I have no doubt that your appointment is a testament to your competence and potential. For those who have previously served in Cabinet, your reappointment reflects the continued confidence that the President has in your abilities and experience. For those returning after a period away from Cabinet, this is a second chance to contribute to national transformation. I encourage you all to make the most of this opportunity and never take it for granted,” she stated.
Nakyobe said a lot is happening across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. “We know the challenges that exist, and we know the actions required to address them. This induction, therefore, comes at a very opportune moment. Over the course of this programme, you will be exposed to a comprehensive curriculum covering the fundamental responsibilities of cabinet leadership. You will examine the structure and functioning of the Government and its three arms (executive, judiciary and legislature), cabinet business and decision-making processes, public policy formulation, strategic planning and budgeting, integrity, communication, diplomacy, as well as the legal and institutional frameworks that govern public administration,” she said.
She reminded ministers that they are required to engage in discussions on ministerial accountability and performance management. "The roles and responsibilities of ministers have already been distributed, and I encourage each of you to study them carefully, seek clarification where necessary, and fully understand the expectations attached to your office. At the conclusion of this retreat, these responsibilities should be translated into measurable actions aligned with your respective ministerial policy statements.”
She said cabinet shall discuss and agree upon the performance commitments that will guide the ministers' work. "Accountability for results will be at the centre of our leadership. Attention will also be given to strengthening the capacity for monitoring and evaluation of government programmes and projects. This is essential because the success of government is not determined by what is planned, but by what is effectively implemented and what impact is ultimately realised.”
Nakyobe informed the ministers that they would also undertake a study visit to the Albertine Graben, including the Kingfisher oil development project, to appreciate the scale of national investments currently underway and the transformative role that strategic infrastructure and industrialisation play in accelerating economic growth and regional development.
“One of the most important lessons this induction seeks to reinforce is the principle of collective responsibility. Cabinet is not a collection of individual ministries pursuing separate agendas. Rather, it is a unified institution working towards a common national purpose. Success in government requires collaboration across sectors, alignment of priorities and a whole-of-government approach to addressing the complex challenges facing our country,” she noted.
As head of public service and secretary to cabinet, Nakyobe said, “I wish to assure you that the Public Service stands ready to support you in executing your mandate. Our role is to provide the technical expertise, institutional memory, policy advice and administrative support necessary to translate political commitments into effective programmes and measurable outcomes.”
Nakyobe said if Uganda is to attain the upper middle-income status, “we must build a culture where integrity is rewarded, accountability is upheld, and service to the public remains our foremost priority. As leaders, we must set the standard through our own conduct. Discipline is not optional. Hard work is indispensable. Commitment is non-negotiable.”
She reminded the ministers that the standards they will tolerate within their ministries will quickly become the standards by which those institutions operate.
“If we tolerate corruption, poor conduct and non-performance, those vices will become entrenched. Conversely, if we uphold integrity, professionalism and excellence, our institutions will reflect those values. Let us, therefore, rise to the challenge and answer the President's call to drive our country towards modernity and prosperity,” she stated.
Nakyobe thanked President Museveni, the National Leadership Institute, all participating Ministries, Departments and Agencies, that contributed to organising the induction programme.