President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon all the public service leaders to be change agents and leaders of socio-economic transformation through wealth creation in the country.
“That’s why I wanted all of you to be here so that we can speak the same language, homestead income with “ekibaro” (calculation), the rest will be easy,” he stated.
The President delivered the remarks today at the end of a seven-day retreat for Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and members of the National Resistance Movement’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) at the Presidential farm in Ngoma.
President Museveni also exhorted the retreat attendees to encourage Ugandans to adopt excellent livestock farming practices in order to grow the sector.
“I often want to contact the MPs from the livestock area, but they don’t add anything; they’re just there where I left them, and the situation has remained the same all along. “If they do what I tell them, the area will be very far,” he explained.
“Here, the major challenge with exporting has been diseases brought by our traditional people who smuggle cows infected with foot and mouth disease from neighboring nations. When I sold Ramaphosa 43 cows, he was unable to get them to South Africa, despite the fact that they were disease-free. They were taken to Kenya, where he obtained embryos, which he then took to South Africa.
However, the President was pleased to hear that the issue of animal diseases will soon be past because the government is going to kick off mass vaccination of domestic animals two times a year.
“These wonderful people have already given us the money in the budget, we are going to get 88 million doses for cows, pigs, goats and other livestock.”
Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, thanked President Museveni for his support, leadership, and presence at the retreat.
“This is invaluable, and we are inspired by your dedication to serving this great nation,” the woman stated.
“As we conclude our retreat, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. We’ve been making an important decision over the last few days. You have shared unique views and developed strategic strategies that will help our country move forward,” she continued.
The Head of Public Service also praised cabinet members and Permanent Secretaries for their contributions, which helped shape the conclusion of the retreat.
“Your knowledge, experience, and dedication to public service are the foundation of our government’s success. The collaborative attitude you have shown here demonstrates the strength of our administration,” Ms. Nakyobe stated.
“I would also want to thank the National Resistance Movement party executives for their ongoing support and commitment to our common goals. Your involvement in this retreat has highlighted the significance of unity and coherence in our efforts.”
She also disclosed that during the retreat, attendees were able to address crucial topics, identify challenges, and provide solutions that will have a long-term influence on the country’s future.
“As we move forward, let us remember that the success of our plans is dependent on our capacity to work together with unyielding determination. “I am confident that the outcomes of this retreat will result in tangible benefits for all Ugandans.”
The Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who read out the retreat’s resolutions, stated that the week-long discussion focused on the fight against corruption and the mass approach to embracing the money economy, with an emphasis on value addition, commercial agriculture, manufacturing and industry, services, and ICT.
“In accordance with the government’s commitment to leadership in steering Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation agenda, it was decided to collaborate as one team with one dream. “The three branches of government should closely coordinate and work in harmony.” he said.
“It was also resolved for public service officers to adopt and keep up with technology to enhance efficiency in service delivery, create clear and strategic goals that are citizen-centric and redirect all our efforts to achieve them.”
Hon. Kiryowa further stated that it was decided to institutionalize mentorship in government institutions in order to assure compliance, as well as to undertake regular induction programs before taking on new responsibilities and refresher courses for Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to improve leadership skills.
“Underscore the relevance of civic competence in the development of the country, it was resolved to develop and promote a set of national values to develop socio-economic transformation of our country.”
The attendees also developed resolutions to address the prevalent corruption and illegal land evictions in the country.
“The Anti-corruption Act should be amended as well as other relevant laws to deter persons convicted of corruption tendencies from being appointed or reappointed in public service; this will make corruption a very risky venture.”
