Heads of Human Resource in Local Governments Undergo Strategic Orientation at Kyankwanzi

The Government of Uganda has intensified efforts to strengthen transparency and professionalism in public service recruitment, with a strong warning against corruption in hiring processes. This follows a directive that all government job advertisements must carry clear disclaimers discouraging bribery and emphasizing that recruitment is free of charge.

The development was revealed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, during the opening of a two-week orientation program for Heads of Human Resource from local governments across the country. The training is currently underway at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi.

The orientation, which has drawn 237 Heads of Human Resource, has been jointly organized by the Ministry of Local Government, the Civil Service College Uganda, and the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi. It is designed to equip participants with the skills and mindset required to transform human resource management within local governments into a more strategic and professional function.

In his remarks, Kumumanya emphasized that the training is a critical step toward reforming the public service by enhancing efficiency, accountability, and integrity in recruitment and workforce management. He reiterated that no individual should pay money to secure a government job, warning that such practices undermine fairness and public trust.

Participants are expected to develop practical strategies to combat corruption, particularly in recruitment processes, payroll administration, and pension management. The training also seeks to strengthen their capacity to implement effective human resource systems that align with national development priorities. The orientation is guided by core values of patience, commitment, and sacrifice—principles seen as essential in building a disciplined and ethical public service.

Officials believe that by instilling these values, the program will help reshape attitudes and improve service delivery across local governments.

Kumumanya further stressed that strict adherence to transparent job advertisement procedures is non-negotiable, noting that all vacancies must be publicly advertised with clear anti-corruption messaging. This, he said, is part of a broader government strategy to eliminate malpractice and ensure equal opportunity for all qualified Ugandans.

The initiative marks a significant step in Uganda’s ongoing public sector reforms, with a clear focus on restoring integrity in recruitment systems and strengthening institutional capacity at the local government level.