📷 Permanent secretaries undergo training in leadership

KAMPALA - The permanent secretaries of government ministries, departments, and agencies are participating in a leadership excellence training programme aimed at improving service delivery.

The three-day inaugural Public Service Leadership Excellence Programme for permanent secretaries is taking place at the Supreme Court conference hall at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala.

In her opening remarks at the conference, the head of public service and secretary to the Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, urged the permanent secretaries to develop strategic plans and ensure they align with national development objectives and government priorities.

In her opening remarks at the conference, the head of public service and secretary to the Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, urged the permanent secretaries to develop strategic plans and ensure they align with national development objectives and government priorities. (All Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet (L) with Dr. Theopista Mary Wenene, Deputy Head of Public Service and Deputy Secretary to Cabinet.

“As permanent secretaries, you are the executive leaders in Uganda’s public service, and you hold an incredibly vital role in driving our nation to development. Therefore, you are not only tasked with ensuring that the day-to-day business of your ministries is carried out effectively, but you are also responsible for the long-term strategic planning of your ministries to ensure that they are aligned with the broader objective of national development and government priorities,” Nakyobe said.

Nakyobe explained that the primary aim of the programme is to equip the permanent secretaries with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead with purpose and navigate the complexities of contemporary governance.

Jane K. Mwesiga, the Deputy Head of Public Service, Office of the Prime Minister delivers her remarks.

Catherine Bitarakwate, Public Service ministry permanent secretary.

“This era that we are in is characterised by rapid change and multifaceted challenges, and it is therefore imperative that, as the stewards of public trust, we are equipped to make informed decisions to help us drive the country’s national development and improve the quality of life for all Ugandans,” Nakyobe said.

She added that the programme is meticulously designed with three core objectives: enhancing strategic leadership that is committed, visionary, ethical, and responsive to the needs of the people.

“We need to foster a leadership that is committed, visionary, ethical, and responsive by strengthening our governance capabilities and by ensuring that our policies and actions align with the aspirations of the citizens,” Nakyobe said.

The Secretary-Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande.

Alfred Okot Okidi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment and Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Local Government.

She highlighted other objectives of the conference, including fostering cross-sector collaboration and expanding global perspectives through benchmarking with countries such as Singapore.

“This programme is not only about personal development; it is about ensuring that Uganda’s public service is strong, resilient, and equipped to meet the needs of the 21st century. I encourage each one of us to approach this programme with an open mind,” Nakyobe said.

She noted that the training is a result of a partnership with the Chandler Institute of Governance, a Singapore-based organisation. She also commended the Judiciary, through Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana, for hosting the event.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Diana Kanzira Atwine.

Agnes Kainza Nzogi, Permanent Secretary of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Jane Mwesigwa, the deputy head of public service, urged the permanent secretaries to have a vision, saying it is the cornerstone of leadership.

“At the core of every successful organisation, there is a clear vision. An effective leader must inspire others around that vision,” Mwesigwa said.

She advised the permanent secretaries to use Uganda’s Vision 2040 as a guide and ensure its translation into reality.

“As heads of government ministries, agencies, and departments, you are mandated to develop institution-specific visions and strategies. However, you must ensure that your policies align with the national vision and work towards achieving it,” she said.

Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports.

Dr. Rose Nassali Lukwago

Mwesigwa emphasised that all government policies must align with national values, as public service is critical in attaining Uganda’s desired middle-income status.

She acknowledged that public service faces several challenges, including weak alignment of national priorities, poor performance and accountability, corruption, ethical lapses, and weak human resource management that lacks merit-based principles, affecting professionalism and morale.

Other challenges include bureaucratic inefficiencies, slow decision-making, inadequate funding, budget absorption constraints, and a widening gap between public service and citizens.

Dr. Pius Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary to the Judiciary.

Aggrey David Kibenge, the PS Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development & Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

Mwesigwa noted that leadership is not about authority, rank, or position but about service and accountability.

To achieve meaningful transformation in Uganda, she said, result-oriented exemplary leaders must effectively manage public resources, drive successful project implementation, and ensure value for money in service delivery.

“We must foster accountability within our ministries. We need to rally a great number of leaders to serve as catalysts for change. We must deliver service to the people. We should never mistake our appointment for personal gain. Our services should be people-centred and inclusive,” Mwesigwa said.

Alex Bwangamoi Okello, the Permanent Secretary for Ethics and Integrity.

Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

She also stressed the need to popularise the principles enshrined in the National Ethical Values Policy to promote transparency.

Kenneth Sim, the deputy executive director of the Chandler Institute of Governance, said the programme is a continuation of the partnership between Chandler and the Ugandan government.

Below is a picture highlight from the leadership excellence training programme, that aimed at improving service delivery. All Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo;

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Kenneth Sim, Managing Director Strategy and Research Chandler Institute of Governance delivers his speech.

Kenneth Sim, Managing Director Strategy and Research Chandler Institute of Governance delivers his speech.

Alex Bwangamoi Okello, the Permanent Secretary for Ethics and Integrity.

Maj Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.

(L-R) Jane Mwesiga, Pius Bigirimana and Lucy Nakyobe interact.