Nakyobe mandates transfer of long-serving ministry staff under new reform rules

Ms Lucy Nakyobe, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, has issued a directive for the immediate transfer of common cadre staff within ministries and the Office of the President who have been stationed for three years. This measure is in line with the newly implemented public service reform rules designed to improve the quality and efficiency of public service delivery nationwide.

Speaking at a retreat for accounting officers in Munyonyo, Ms Nakyobe emphasized the importance of regular rotation, stating, “We are going to transfer all the common cadre staff that has been at a station for three years, and we don’t want any interference.” She cautioned against hindering these transfers, asserting that any staff member, including HR personnel, accountants, planners, or economists, should be moved to allow for fresh perspectives and equitable distribution of talent.

Ms Nakyobe highlighted that some ministries might be perceived as more desirable than others, and rotation ensures that all public servants experience different working environments. “Let us not monopolize because that is wrong! Then they say somebody is very good; even those good people, let them take that goodness to other ministries,” she urged.

She specifically called out the President’s Office and the Ministries of Public Service, Finance, and ICT to ensure compliance, warning that failure to implement the directive by the end of the year would reflect negatively on the accounting officers. This initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving accountability, effective budget implementation, and the achievement of the government’s economic priorities.

Ms Nakyobe also reiterated the need for integrity, transparency, and accountability in managing public resources, noting that citizens’ perception of government performance is directly tied to the quality of services they receive. Challenges such as low fund absorption, domestic arrears, weak contract management, and delayed project implementation were identified as significant impediments to effective service delivery. She stressed that value for money must guide all expenditure decisions and urged a strong stance against corruption.

The Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Dr Ramathan Ggoobi, added that stringent controls on government recruitment are now in place, requiring approved wage provisions and clearance from the Ministry of Public Service. He warned of sanctions for institutions that fail to comply with staffing and wage limits, emphasizing that accountability is paramount for improving public financial management. The Minister of Finance, Henry Musasizi, also encouraged accounting officers to reject any instructions that could lead to financial impropriety and to ensure that public funds are used effectively to deliver tangible services and infrastructure.