The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi has chaired a crucial Ministerial Steering Committee meeting focused on the approved merger of the National Planning Authority (NPA), National Population Council (NPC), and the National Physical Planning Board (NPPB).

This significant restructuring initiative aimed to enhance efficiency within government operations as part of the Rationalization of Government Agencies, Commissions, Authorities, and Public Expenditure (RAPEX).

According to Ggoobi, they will provide practical guidance on the merger exercise, which is expected to be completed within six weeks.

“This timeline reflects the urgency of streamlining operations and improving service delivery within the affected agencies,” Ggoobi said.

During Ggoobi’s remarks made on August 19, 2024, at the Ministry of Finance offices, he emphasized the importance of a smooth transition for the affected staff.

“We need to manage the process professionally to deliver a smooth transition, he added, ensuring that staff with the necessary qualifications will be absorbed into existing government positions,” he added.

He further stated that the merger is a strategic move to consolidate resources and enhance the effectiveness of government planning and population management efforts in Uganda.

According to Ggoobi, as the committee embarks on this critical task, stakeholders should remain optimistic about the potential benefits of this integration for public service delivery.

The steering committee in attendance consisted of representatives from various governmental bodies, the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (mofpedU), the Ministry of Public Service (mopsuganda), the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA_UG), the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development (ministry_lands), as well as officials from the NPA, NPC, NPPB, and the Public Service Commission.