Kampala's City Square buzzed with early morning activity as hundreds of civil servants, led by top government officials, marched to Kololo ceremony grounds in a united stand against corruption, marking Africa Public Service Day with a powerful call for integrity and efficiency in public service delivery.
The theme was "Empowering a Citizen-Centered Public Service for an Inclusive and Thriving 21st Century Africa," gathered at City Square to mark Africa Public Service Day.
The early morning march to Kololo ceremony grounds, led by Permanent Secretary Catherine Birikwate and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, was a powerful visual statement, accompanied by the stirring tunes of the police band.The celebration at Kololo was a testament to the commitment of Uganda’s public sector to tackle corruption head-on.
H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by Vice President Jessica Alupo, emphasized the imperative to eradicate corruption in his keynote address.
“The corrupt will not be tolerated,” Museveni declared, reinforcing the government's zero-tolerance stance on graft.Organized by the Ministry of Public Service, the event drew an impressive array of government leaders, including Minister of State for Public Service Grace Mugasa, Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe, and numerous Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Commissioners.
This diverse attendance highlighted the unified front of the public service sector against corruption.Exhibitions from various ministries showcased innovations and progress within the public sector.
Notably, KCCA presented modern urban farming techniques from their Kyanja farm, reflecting the city's strides in sustainable agricultural practices.
Dorothy Kisaka, speaking to the press, reiterated the need to continue the fight against corruption to ensure efficient service delivery, particularly in infrastructure development.
"We must promote the culture of working in effective teams, utilize digital solutions, and establish one-stop centers to enhance our service delivery," Kisaka stated.
Vice President Jessica Alupo, representing the President, praised the public servants for their dedication but did not shy away from addressing the challenges.
“While we celebrate our successes, we must confront the reality that corruption undermines our efforts and taints the achievements we make,” Alupo noted.
She called for vigilance and accountability, urging public servants to lead by example in their commitment to transparency and integrity.
The event's atmosphere was one of solidarity and resolve. The civil servants’ march, culminating in the speeches and exhibitions at Kololo, was not just a symbolic gesture but a call to action.
The emphasis on a citizen-centered public service reflects a broader vision for Uganda's future—one where public service is synonymous with efficiency, honesty, and inclusivity.
Public service reforms, including the adoption of digital tools and the establishment of one-stop centers, were highlighted as critical steps toward achieving these goals.
As Minister Grace Mugasa articulated,
“We need to harness technology to streamline processes and make public services more accessible and responsive to the needs of our citizens.”
The day concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among Uganda’s civil servants. Africa Public Service Day in Kampala was not merely a celebration but a clarion call to all public servants to unite in the fight against corruption, ensuring that the public service sector truly empowers citizens and fosters an inclusive and thriving society.
