Public servants tipped on upholding govt integrity
“What you do, how you present yourself, and how you serve is how people judge the Government,” said Nakyobe.
Lucy Nakyobe-Mbonye, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, challenged civil servants to uphold professional standards and adopt modest lifestyles that align with the values of public service. (Photos by John Masaba)
By John Masaba
Journalists @New Vision
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Public servants have been called upon to safeguard the image and efficiency of the Government by conducting themselves with integrity, discipline and a commitment to public interest.
Speaking during the quarterly meeting of chief administrative officers (CAOs) and town clerks at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Friday, June 27, 2025, head of Public Service and secretary to Cabinet Lucy Nakyobe-Mbonye, said the conduct of public servants directly reflects on the Government.
“What you do, how you present yourself, and how you serve is how people judge the Government,” she said.
“If a CAO is efficient, that is the Government. If a town clerk fails to manage garbage, that, too, is the Government. Let us do only what reflects positively on the institutions we serve.”
Nakyobe decried instances of misconduct among senior officials, narrating how one high-ranking local government officer came to her office smelling strongly of alcohol.
“Even after they left, the smell lingered. I had to close my office briefly. Anyone walking in could easily think I was drinking or keeping alcohol.”
She challenged civil servants to uphold professional standards and adopt modest lifestyles that align with the values of public service.
“You are not just implementers of government programmes. You are institutional stewards and civic leaders. Your leadership determines whether public policies are felt in villages and towns, or remain papers gathering dust in offices,” she said.
Local Government Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya noted that there are improvements in morale and performance among local government leaders since recent leadership training at the National Leadership Institute, Kyankwanzi. This was during the quarterly meeting of chief administrative officers (CAOs) and town clerks at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Friday.
Nakyobe outlined three core responsibilities of senior local government officers: Stewardship of districts and municipalities, ensuring accountability for public resources, and promoting innovation in service delivery.
Ending corruption
“The Auditor General’s report for financial year 2023/2024 shows nearly shillings 720 billion was mismanaged or unaccounted for in local governments,” she said.
“This was largely due to irregular procurements, incomplete projects and unsupported expenditures.”
She urged officers to strengthen internal controls, proactively address audit queries, and foster a culture of performance and transparency.
“Service delivery thrives only where accountability is the norm, not the exception,” she said.
Beyond accountability, Nakyobe stressed the importance of local-level innovation in solving service delivery bottlenecks.
“Understanding your communities is key,” she said.
“If you are a town clerk in a fast-growing urban centre with unique waste challenges, design solutions tailored to that reality. Don’t just wait for the central government to act.”
She encouraged public servants to “take initiative” by mobilising resources, streamlining systems, and leveraging data to address local needs.
“If you know your health centre is understaffed, don’t stop at reporting. Find partnerships and push for action. Leadership is not about sitting behind a desk; it’s about solving problems.”
Call for reform
Local government ministry permanent secretary Ben Kumumanya echoed the call for reform, noting improvements in morale and performance since recent leadership training at the National Leadership Institute, Kyankwanzi.
“I have received messages from staff saying they are ready and motivated. They are asking for more work,” he said.
To tackle corruption, particularly in local government recruitment, Kumumanya revealed that all districts have been directed to publicly declare a zero-tolerance stance.
“I saw adverts from Kyotera, Bulambuli and Sheema stating clearly that bribery will not be tolerated and urging people to report anyone who asks for money,” he said.
Kumumanya also addressed a key concern raised during the meeting—garnishee orders, where court rulings allow creditors to seize government property, including vehicles and funds.
“These orders are often issued without giving districts time to respond or budget,” he said.
“We have guided officials to invoke relevant legal provisions to apply for stays of execution or judicial reviews where necessary.”
He cited Rules 16 and 23 of the Civil Procedure Act, which empower public officers to seek redress and avoid abrupt loss of essential government assets.
The quarterly meetings are aimed at strengthening coordination between central and local governments, addressing challenges, evaluating performance, and promoting key initiatives such as the Parish Development Model.
This session also reviewed progress in the current financial year and explored strategies to improve service delivery in the months ahead.