The Secretary, Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, has called on public administrative officers across government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adhere to ongoing transfers directed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Speaking at the opening of the four-day 6th Administrative Officers’ Forum 2026 at Bomah Hotel in Gulu City, Hajji Kakande stated that transfers are routine administrative measures designed to enhance public sector performance.
The national forum convened under the theme: “Awake for Service: Professional Public Administration for Integrity, Accountability and National Transformation.”
The event gathered Undersecretaries, Principal Assistant Secretaries, Senior Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and hospital administrators from across the central government.
Addressing concerns and pushback regarding recent deployments, Hajji Kakande urged officers to remain mobile and professional.
“I wonder why some of you don’t want to be transferred. How could you ask why you are transferring me and leaving the other one around? Actually, it was the President’s directive, which shouldn’t be turned down,” Kakande said.
He reminded administrators that public service regulations mandate personnel to serve anywhere nationwide depending on institutional needs.
Drawing from his 40-year career in the Office of the President, Hajji Kakande explained that retention in specific postings is based on institutional memory, specialized competence, and operational continuity rather than favoritism.
He cautioned officers against writing anonymous petitions or undermining colleagues to force administrative reassignments.
Hajji Kakande highlighted key administrative and professional guidelines for the cadre:
- Whole-of-Government Systems Grasp: Administrators must understand national policy, regulatory frameworks, and inter-agency workflows beyond their immediate desk responsibilities.
- Merit-Based Career Progression: With Undersecretary positions now open to other public service cadres, promotion depends on measurable performance, responsiveness, and continuous professional development rather than tenure.
- Mentorship: Senior administrators are expected to mentor, delegate to, and build the capacity of junior officers.
- Financial Integrity and Ethics: Public service is a public trust rather than a path to sudden wealth. Officers were urged to live within their legitimate incomes and avoid financial misconduct.
- Public Health Administration: Hospital administrators were recognized as core public managers requiring structured schemes of service and continuous professional development.
On remuneration, Hajji Kakande noted that the Office of the President continues to advocate for improved terms of service, highlighting recent pay enhancements for Principals, Senior Assistant Secretaries, and retiring Permanent Secretaries.
The outgoing Chairperson of the Public Administrators Association of Uganda (PAAU), Dr. Freddie Mugunga, acknowledged that recent transfer announcements had caused anxiety among officers.
Dr. Mugunga urged the cadre to remain united and professional, aligning their work with the national drive for zero tolerance to corruption.
He also called on Cabinet Ministers to support and guide deployed Personal Assistants assigned from the traditional public service cadre.
