On June 23, 2023, Uganda will join the rest of the continent to commemorate the 12th annual African Public Service Day.
Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, said this year’s celebration shall be held at Kololo Ceremonial Ground under the theme “The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will require a fit-for-purpose African Public Administration to succeed.”
According to her, the chief guest will be the Prime Minister, Nabbanja Robinah adding that the African Public Service Day is to recognize and commemorate the contribution of public service to socio-economic development.
“The day commemorated by African Union member states as a biennial event recognizes that democracy and good governance are built on a foundation of competent civil service,” she said.
Bitarakwate further said the day provides a platform to reflect on the functioning of public service, including mission, objectives, programs, projects, problems and challenges, successes, and failures.
She noted that the day also aims to raise the image of public services and trust in government through reorganizing and making known the importance of public service, rewarding excellence and innovative practices, and preparing for a better future through enhancing professionalism and good practices in government.
However, according to Bitarakwate, from June 16–22, there will be a sports gala at Makerere Sports Grounds and social responsibility events by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government (MDAs) across the country.
She added that MDAs would provide their services to the public during the events.
African Service Day commemoration originated from the recommendations of the inter-African Public Administration Seminar that was held in 1970 in Botswana and Sierra Leone in 1971, which appreciated the need for development and competent administrators and managers.
