President Museveni Lauds Permanent Secretaries, Calls for Action on Corruption

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Uganda’s Permanent Secretaries for aligning with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government's socio-economic transformation agenda. Speaking at a meeting held on October 17, 2024, at State House, Entebbe, Museveni praised the civil servants for embracing the government's core goals.

"I'm happy that you are now aligned with the NRM's vision for socio-economic transformation," the President said, referring to remarks by Ramathan Ggoobi, the Secretary to the Treasury, who reaffirmed the Secretaries' support for NRM policies.

The meeting, attended by key officials from various government ministries, was led by Lucy Nakyobe, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet. Museveni assured the Permanent Secretaries of continued support in executing their supervisory role, as mandated by the Constitution, particularly in overseeing government policies and managing public funds.

Museveni stressed that Uganda’s socio-economic transformation hinges on four key sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. "This society must undergo socio-economic transformation," he said. "When the top technocrats understand this, it's very good, and I'm very happy about that."

He also emphasized the role of the NRM's mixed-economy model in Uganda’s economic progress. "We moved from the economic mistakes of Obote and Amin, allowing the private sector to drive the economy. That's why it's growing, despite challenges like corruption," Museveni added.

Warning against corruption, the President reminded the Permanent Secretaries that they hold the primary responsibility for preventing graft, as they manage government funds, personnel, and procurement processes. "You have the lead role because you are in charge of government money," he noted.

The President also expressed concern over the abuse of the government's salary enhancement program for scientists, vowing to issue an executive order to prevent early retirement among beneficiaries of the enhanced package. "The law should be clear. With an enhanced package, you should serve your term," he declared.

Ramathan Ggoobi, representing the Permanent Secretaries, pledged full support for the President's vision, especially in driving wealth creation programs like the Parish Development Model. He also echoed concerns over the corruption plaguing the procurement system, calling for reforms to save government resources and improve service delivery.

"The Permanent Secretaries are behind you in the fight against corruption," Ggoobi said, stressing the importance of an efficient procurement system.