government 9 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kakande Urges Administrative Officers to Embrace Transfers
Secretary to the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, has directed administrative officers to accept government transfers without question, emphasizing that public servants are legally obligated to serve wherever deployed. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/embrace-transfers-kakande-tells-administrative-officers-5589282
Hajji Yunus Kakande, the Secretary in the Office of the President, has issued a clear directive to administrative officers across government institutions: embrace transfers as part of President Yoweri Museveni’s ongoing reshuffling.
Speaking at the 6th Administrative Officers’ Forum in Gulu City, Kakande addressed the reluctance some officers show towards relocation. He stressed that resisting transfers or questioning why certain colleagues remain in their posts is unwarranted, as service deployment is a presidential directive that should not be challenged.
Kakande reminded the assembled officials, including undersecretaries and principal assistant secretaries, that the law mandates public servants to serve in any part of the country. He urged them to adopt a flexible and professional attitude towards their assignments.
Beyond mere compliance, Kakande challenged administrative officers to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of how the government functions as a complete system, rather than confining their knowledge to their immediate roles. He highlighted that the opening of Undersecretary positions to officers from diverse cadres necessitates administrative staff demonstrating their value through exceptional competence and responsiveness.
Furthermore, Kakande stated that career advancement is no longer based on tenure but earned through merit. He emphasized that true leadership is characterized by the ability to develop capable successors, underscoring the importance of integrity and accountability given the significant responsibilities administrators hold concerning public resources, information, and human resources.
Dr Freddie Mugunga, the outgoing Chairperson of the Public Administrators Association of Uganda, acknowledged the anxiety surrounding the transfers but called for unity, noting that not everyone will receive a promotion. He also raised concerns about some ministers reportedly refusing to work with deployed Personal Assistants, urging senior officials to offer their support.
The four-day forum aims to bolster professional standards and discuss the role of public administration in fostering integrity, accountability, and national transformation.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)