Public servants urged to embrace mentorship programmes

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In a bid to improve service delivery, civil servants have been asked to embrace mentorship programmes.

Making a case for the need for mentorship, the deputy head of Public Service and deputy secretary to the Cabinet, Dr Mary Wenene, said young people who leave universities and colleges with only theoretical knowledge find difficulty fitting in the work environment and struggle to deliver on assigned tasks.

She made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of the fifth cycle of the Water Resources Institute (WRI) Mentorship Programme held at the water ministry headquarters in Luzira on Thursday (March 26).

“We currently do not have structured mentorship programmes in the public service, and this mentorship programme is the first of its kind in the public service. It is key in imparting confidence and skills in these young people."

A total of 360 graduating mentees supported by 50 mentors received certificates.

The WRI Mentorship Programme is a flagship initiative under the institute’s ten-year strategic plan, designed to strengthen the capacity of staff within the Ministry.

The programme nurtures young and mid-career professionals by equipping them with critical technical and leadership, skills necessary for effective service delivery.

Dr Alfred Okidi, Dr Mary Wenene, Deputy Head of Public Service, Justice Stella Alibateese cut a cake as mentees look on during the graduation ceremony of the fifth cycle of the Water Resources Institute (WRI) mentorship programme at the Water ministry headquarters in Luzira on March 26, 2026.

It also ​focuses on enhancing professional articulation, strengthening scientific and leadership capabilities, and fostering confidence among practitioners to actively engage in decision-making processes.

"I will inform the Cabinet about this innovation and propose that it is adopted by all the government institutions as a way of creating a competent workforce," said Wenene, hailing the initiative.

Dr Alfred Okidi, the permanent secretary of the water ministry, said the programme was designed to nurture young and mid-career professionals by strengthening their technical, leadership, and communication competencies that are essential for delivering high-quality services in the water and environment sector.

With the support of WaterAid Uganda, Okidi explained that the programme, which was launched during UWEWK 2021, has since grown into a transformative career-development fellowship that continues to shape the next generation of sector leaders.

“It is not just a training programme; it is a catalyst that unlocks potential, inspires growth, and connects professionals within the sector."

Through mentorship, Okidi said they also instil critical values such as accountability, teamwork, innovation, and leadership.

“Mentorship serves as a powerful tool for knowledge management. It allows us to preserve institutional memory by leveraging the expertise of seasoned and retired professionals, ensuring that their invaluable experience is passed on to the next generation.”

'Have an open mind'

In her keynote address, Justice Stella Alibateese of the Court of Appeal, advised leaders to harness the unique skills of all their staff and ensure the success of their team.

“Personally, I have built relationships by being open, honest and giving back. If you build relationships, you get your work done. As a team leader in my corporate experience, I have to understand people and apply their skills where they best thrive.

“In our workspaces, let us respect the comments we get from our supervisors. Have an open mind and receive the feedback from a point of improvement. If you take it well, you actually succeed," Alibateese advised public servants.

She ​also told them to be financially independent in order to make independent decisions, adding that financial security guards one against engaging in corruption.

"To mentees, you have taken a step and completed the mentorship programme. Don’t leave it at theory. Practice what you have learnt and share lessons.”