Uganda's Civil Service Reforms Must Tackle Deep-Rooted Corruption

The Government of Uganda has launched a civil service performance appraisal process to promote excellence and penalize poor performance. Announced by Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe at an NRM lawmakers’ retreat in Kyankwanzi, the initiative focuses on measuring actual project implementation and service delivery.

This results-oriented approach promises rewards for top performers and consequences like reshuffles or dismissals for non-performers, including permanent secretaries. It replaces a biased system widely criticized for favoritism.

However, similar reform attempts in the past have fallen short, failing to improve accountability or service quality. Evidence points to corruption undermining appraisals, with ‘brown envelopes’ influencing opaque moderation processes that protect underperforming managers.

Contract renewals were meant to keep civil servants motivated, but they often benefit only those who bribe superiors, leaving honest workers sidelined. This has merely masked deeper issues in a public service on the brink of collapse.

For lasting change, the government must implement comprehensive reforms targeting root causes like graft and opacity, rather than superficial fixes.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)