Former PS lauds Museveni for allowing him serve for long

By Francis Emorut                                       

KAMPALA - The former permanent secretary of ministry of education, Francis Xavier, has hailed President Yoweri Museveni for enabling him to serve in the ministry for nearly two decades.

“I thank the appointing authority for enabling me to serve as a permanent secretary in the ministry of education for such a long time [18 years]. We have been able to deliver. I say it without fear,” Lubanga told guests.

He advised his contemporaries to deliver services to citizenry amid challenges.

“We should deliver in spite of difficulties. That’s when men and women are counted. No general wins a war without loyal and committed officers.”

 “18 years is not a short period. There were trials and tribulations. I left a footprint in the sand of history that will stand the test of time,” he said.

The departing PS of the Health Service Commission was speaking during an end-of-year party for the commission at Silver Springs Hotel in Kampala.

He is retiring due to health-related issues after being hospitalized in India twice.

With his vast experience, Lubanga cautioned the heads of departments not to rush to give tasks to promoted commissioners (to directors) until they have undergone proper induction.
 

A cake was cut at the dinner at Silver Spring Hotel in Kampala. (Photo credit: Francis Emorut)

Lubanga who was accompanied by his wife Mary Lubanga, has served in the public service for 37 years and eight years in the teaching service. At the year ender event, he presented an award for his dedicated service.

Meanwhile, the head of public service and secretary to Cabinet, John Mitala, appealed to civil servants to improve on service delivery amid public outcry over poor service delivery in all sectors of the economy.

 “We need to rededicate ourselves to the best of our ability and knowledge to provide better services and not lamenting all the time,” said Mitala.

He singled out hard-to-reach areas, which are now over 200, compared to two during independence Moyo and Karamoja.

Mitala reminded the guests that former Ugandan president Milton Obote abolished allowances for such areas on the premise that government workers should be patriotic to serve in any area.

The chairperson of Health Service Commission, Prof. Pius Okong advised health workers not to dwell on challenges but to dream that things are going to be better.

“Focus on what you can do and not to think of difficult things.”

The commission awarded staff with certificates for high performance and cut a cake.