Politics 13 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
HR Officers Told to Ignore Verbal Politician Orders in Recruitment
State Minister for Public Service Grace Mary Mugasa has warned HR officers against following verbal instructions from politicians, urging them to demand written directives to prevent corruption in hiring. The call came during a conference in Mbarara, where officials emphasized merit-based recruitment and ethical practices. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/hr-officers-urged-to-reject-verbal-orders-from-politicians-5368964
State Minister for Public Service, Grace Mary Mugasa, cautioned human resource officers nationwide against obeying verbal commands from politicians during recruitment. Speaking at the annual Public Service Human Resource Management Conference in Mbarara City on Friday, she highlighted pressures faced by HR staff, particularly in local governments.
Mugasa, drawing from her local government experience, noted how politicians often push for jobs for their relatives, likening it to pulling positions ‘from a drawer.’ She advised HR managers to insist on written instructions for any interventions, stating, ‘If I want my son there by hook or crook, tell me to write to you.’
The minister stressed upholding merit in selections and resisting job-selling temptations, reminding officers that their integrity, not political favor, defines their role in building a strong public service.
Permanent Secretary Catherine Bitarakwate described HR as the foundation of government transformation under the Fourth National Development Plan. She called for tackling corruption in local service commissions, echoing President Museveni’s concerns, and noted ongoing complaints from citizens about irregular hiring and bribes.
The event gathered HR practitioners to discuss ethical leadership, accountability, and reforms for national development.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)