Summary:
- President Museveni also encouraged the retreat participants to educate Ugandans on effective livestock farming methods to develop the sector.
KYANKWANZI: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged public service leaders to act as agents of change 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 said.
The President made these remarks on Saturday during the closing of a 7-day retreat for Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) at the Presidential farm in Ngoma.
President Museveni also encouraged the retreat participants to educate Ugandans on effective livestock farming methods to develop the sector.
“I always want to call the MPs from the cattle areas; they don’t improve, they are just where I left them. If they follow what I tell them, their areas would be much further along,” he said.
“One major problem with exporting has been diseases brought by our traditional people who smuggle cows with foot and mouth disease from neighboring countries. When I sold Ramaphosa 43 cows, he couldn’t take them to South Africa despite being disease-free; they had to be taken to Kenya, and embryos were extracted for South Africa.”
However, the President expressed satisfaction that the livestock disease problem would soon be resolved with the government’s plan to begin mass vaccination of domestic animals twice a year.
“These wonderful people have already allocated the budget for us; we are going to get 88 million doses for cows, pigs, goats, and other livestock.”
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, thanked President Museveni for his support, guidance, and presence at the retreat.
“This is invaluable, and we are inspired by your dedication to serving this great nation,” Ms. Nakyobe said.
“As we conclude this retreat, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. Over the past few days, we have engaged in meaningful discussions. You have shared valuable insights and drafted strategic plans that will guide our nation forward,” she added.
Ms. Nakyobe also commended the cabinet members and Permanent Secretaries for their contributions, which have been instrumental in shaping the retreat’s outcome.
“Your expertise, experience, and commitment to public service are the bedrock of our government’s success. The collaborative spirit you have demonstrated here is a testament to the strength of our administration,” she noted.
“I also wish to recognize the National Resistance Movement party executives for your continuous support and dedication to our shared goals. Your participation at this retreat has underscored the importance of unity and coherence in our efforts.”
She revealed that during the retreat, participants addressed critical issues, identified challenges, and proposed solutions that will have a lasting impact on the country’s future.
“As we move forward, let us remember that the success of our plans hinges on our ability to work together with unwavering resolve. I am confident that the outcomes of this retreat will translate into tangible benefits for all Ugandans.”
The Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who read out the retreat’s resolutions, said the week-long discussions focused on fighting corruption and promoting the mass adoption of a money economy with emphasis on value addition, commercial agriculture, manufacturing, industry, services, and ICT.
“In line with the government’s commitment to leadership to steer Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda, it was resolved to work as one team and one dream. The three arms 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 direct all our efforts to achieve them.”
Hon. Kiryowa noted that it was also resolved to institutionalize mentorship in government institutions to ensure compliance and conduct regular induction programs before assuming duty and refresher courses for Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to enhance leadership capacity.
“Underscoring the relevance of civic competence in the country’s development, it was resolved to develop and promote a set of national values to drive our country’s socio-economic transformation.”
The participants also proposed resolutions to address rampant corruption and illegal land evictions in the country.
“The Anti-corruption Act should be amended, along with other relevant laws, to deter persons convicted of corruption from being appointed or reappointed in public service; this will make corruption a very risky venture.”
