Uganda marks Africa Public Service Day

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Uganda is today, July 7, 2025, commemorating the 14th Africa Public Service Day at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala city.

The event, which is part of a wider continental celebration held annually by African Union member states, is under the continental theme: Enhancing the Agility and Resilience of Institutions to Achieve Equitable Governance and Rapidly Address Historical Service Delivery Gaps.

Although the United Nations marks Public Service Day every June 23, Uganda is observing its national festivities today in line with logistical arrangements and extended programming.

Public service state minister Grace Mary Mugasa highlighted the significance of the day as a moment of reflection and renewal for the public sector.

“We want to reflect on the mission, programmes, successes and challenges of our public service. It is also a time to restore trust in government institutions by recognising innovation and professionalism while proposing reforms that better serve our citizens,” she said.

The commemorations are rooted in the early Inter-African Public Administration Seminars held in 1970 (Botswana) and 1971 (Sierra Leone), which advocated for strong, competent, and visionary public administration as a cornerstone for Africa’s development.

This year’s theme places a spotlight on accountability, inclusivity, and social justice as foundational pillars for sustainable development.

It calls on African governments to embrace citizen-centred and transformative policies, enhance transparency, and build resilient institutions that can meet the evolving needs of the public.

“Public service must be agile, inclusive, and forward-looking if we are to overcome historical service delivery gaps and foster national stability,” Mugasa emphasised.

Key focus areas for 2025

Greater civil society engagement and stakeholder collaboration

The use of digital platforms to boost transparency and access to services

Country case studies and interstate collaboration for learning and benchmarking

Innovative and efficient service delivery models

Weeklong series of activities

Today's national event comes after a week-long series of activities that have been underway, including a Sports Gala featuring football, netball, volleyball, athletics, chess, and fun games at Makerere University Sports Grounds from June 27 to July 4.

Additionally, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), along with local governments, have engaged in corporate social responsibility initiatives across the country, showcasing public service in action—from health outreach to community clean-up drives and mentorship programs.

Today’s climax at Kololo features on-site public services offered by various government entities, giving citizens a firsthand experience of services ranging from passport processing to health screenings and land inquiries.

A call to celebrate public service

“We extend a warm invitation to all members of the public to join us at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds as we celebrate the role of public service in shaping Uganda’s future,” Mugasa said.

According to Mugasa, this year's celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a responsive, transparent, and inclusive public service in driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

Top government officials, including minister for Public Service Muruli Mukasa and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Irene Bateebe, among others, have already arrived at the event. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to officiate at the event later in the day.