By KT Reporter
The Public Service Commission has suspended the issuance of contracts to retired civil servants, in a move aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and creating employment opportunities for younger Ugandans.
Lucy Nakyobe, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, said the practice of rehiring retirees undermines the Public Service Standing Orders and denies opportunities to the younger generation.
She made the remarks at the launch of a four-day Administrative Forum organized by the Office of the President at Mbale Resort Hotel, running from August 26 to 29, under the theme “Fostering Public Confidence through Transparent and Accountable Governance.”
“The salary structure has improved significantly, and we are now in a better position to fill these roles with fresh, qualified staff,” Nakyobe said. “The era of keeping people on contracts just because they are experienced is over. We must create room for the youth.”
Hajj Yunus Kakande, the Secretary in the Office of the President, echoed her sentiments, stressing that civil servants must follow retirement guidelines. “Public service must be dynamic and must give space for new talent. Holding onto offices after retirement only serves personal interests, not the country,” he said.
Dr. Freddie Emmanuel Mwanga, the Chairperson of the Public Affairs and Administration Union (PAAU), raised concerns about corruption in recruitment, noting that the contract system has been abused. He cited cases where officers refuse to vacate their office until their children are ready to take over.
“This trend is not only unacceptable but also erodes public trust in our institutions. We must stop nepotism and favoritism in recruitment if we want to build a service that Ugandans can believe in,” Mwanga noted. The Administrative Forum is expected to generate policy recommendations to improve efficiency in public service delivery and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
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