Stop the rhetoric and take action on public service reforms

In recent remarks, President Museveni stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Uganda’s public service.

This call comes at a critical time for our country, where progress is hampered by systemic inefficiencies and endemic corruption. The President’s emphasis on public sector transformation is a clear call for a renewed focus on accountability, efficiency and transparency.

We must tackle the deep-seated bureaucratic inefficiencies that have long plagued our public institutions. The President’s concerns are justified because an improved and effective public service is essential to the successful implementation of government policies and the delivery of essential services to citizens. The current state of public services, characterized by delays, bureaucracy and lack of accountability, undermines public trust and hampers the country’s development.

In this regard, President Museveni’s brother, Gen. Salim Salih, has called on the youth to join the government’s anti-corruption campaign. This initiative aims to mobilize young people, who constitute a significant part of Uganda’s population, to actively participate in the fight against corruption. Both of these calls are timely and strategic and recognize the key role young people can play in promoting a culture of integrity and accountability as we improve our public services.

Corruption not only depletes public resources, but also weakens the effectiveness of public institutions.

By engaging the youth in the anti-corruption crusade, the government can harness their energy, innovation and desire for a better future. This engagement can be transformative, instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in young Ugandans, just as we have witnessed with our Kenyan neighbours.

However, these initiatives must be more than just rhetoric. The government must implement concrete measures to ensure that reforms are not only initiated but sustained. This requires a multi-faceted approach, including adopting technology to streamline processes, establishing robust accountability mechanisms, and promoting a merit-based culture in public service.

Furthermore, continuous monitoring and evaluation are crucial to assess the effectiveness of reforms and make necessary adjustments.

This is all possible thanks to the political will and commitment at the highest levels of government that are necessary to drive these reforms.

Governments must set an example, combat corruption and promote ethical conduct, and support institutions such as the Government Inspectorate and the Office of the Auditor General by providing them with the necessary resources and independence to carry out their duties effectively.