KAMPALA, Uganda | 21 March 2025 – The Office of the President, the Ministry of Public Service and the Civil Service College, in partnership with Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG), officially launched the inaugural Public Service Leadership Excellence Programme at the Supreme Court Conference Hall, Judiciary Twin Towers in Kampala.
The three-day programme brought together all Permanent Secretaries including the Head of Public Service and Deputy Head of Public Service, for a high-level learning and reflection initiative focused on advancing public sector leadership and governance.
The programme was formally opened by Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet of Uganda, alongside Mr. Kenneth Sim, CIG’s Managing Director for Strategy and Research. Their opening remarks underscored a shared commitment to building a results-driven, citizen-centered public service.
“This initiative reflects our resolve to strengthen performance at the highest levels of government,” Ms. Nakyobe noted, adding that Uganda’s partnership with CIG is an investment in strategic leadership and service excellence.
Strengthening Strategic Leadership and Governance.
The first phase of the programme, held from 18 to 20 March 2025, focused on strategic leadership and governance. Sessions encouraged Permanent Secretaries to reflect on their roles in addressing complex national challenges, shaping Uganda’s development narrative, and promoting public service values. Discussions also explored approaches for fostering whole-of-government collaboration.
In the coming months, Permanent Secretaries will engage in virtual cross-sector dialogues and international benchmarking visits. These follow-on activities are designed to promote peer learning, global best practices, and continuous innovation in public service delivery.
Programme Closure and Study Visit at URSB
The Head of Service officially closed the Training and led the Permanent Secretaries for a benchmarking visit to the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).
During the visit, Ms. Nakyobe emphasized the urgent need for reengineering and automation of service delivery processes across all ministries.
“I want to be clear: my primary benchmark for assessing Permanent Secretaries’ performance in FY 2025/2026 will be the extent to which you have embraced and implemented digital transformation in your Ministries,” she stated. She also pledged her full support in this endeavor, assuring the PSs that the Office of the Head of Public Service would facilitate necessary reforms.
Ms. Nakyobe commended the leadership of URSB for pioneering automation and innovation in public service delivery, citing it as a model to be replicated across government entities.
About the Office of the President, Uganda
The Office of the President provides leadership in public policy management and good governance for national development. Through the Cabinet Secretariat, it supports Cabinet decision-making, monitors government programmes, and coordinates policy implementation. The Secretary to Cabinet also serves as the Head of Public Service, providing strategic guidance to Permanent Secretaries and acting as a key liaison between the Executive, Public Service, and Service Commissions.
About Civil Service College Uganda (CSCU):
Established on 1st July 2010 under the Ministry of Public Service, CSCU is the government’s premier institution for in-service training, public policy research, and innovation. It aims to enhance the capacity of public institutions and personnel to deliver effective and citizen-centric services.
About the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG):
The Chandler Institute of Governance is a Singapore-based international non-profit organization dedicated to supporting capable and ethical government. CIG partners with public sector leaders worldwide to strengthen governance structures, develop effective leaders, and improve public service delivery. CIG is non-partisan and operates independently of any national government or political interests.
