Secretary to the Office of the President Hajji Yunus Kakande has urged public servants in Uganda to plan early for retirement, emphasizing that public service is a career with a definite beginning and end. Speaking at the closing of the Third Policy Analyst Cadre Forum in Hoima City, Hajji Kakande encouraged officers to save, invest, and take care of their health to ensure a smooth transition into life after service. He warned against postponing preparations until their final years in service.
Hajji Kakande cautioned public officers against rushing into business ventures, particularly trade, which he said has complicated dynamics. Instead, he advised them to venture into easy-to-manage activities such as agriculture and cattle rearing. He shared his experience of often being approached by retiring officers seeking advice on their next steps, emphasizing that trade is best started when one is young.
The forum, organized by the Office of the President, brought together policy analysts to exchange experiences, build professional networks, and strengthen their capacity to promote efficiency and effectiveness in public service. Hajji Kakande noted that participants had reflected on various topics, including the evolution of public policy in Uganda, contemporary governance issues, and retirement planning. He challenged policy analysts to uphold professional standards and cultivate qualities that would strengthen their contribution to government decision-making and public service delivery.
Hajji Kakande emphasized the importance of evidence-based analysis and ethical conduct, urging officers to provide honest and impartial advice that serves the public interest. He encouraged continuous professional development through reading, research, and learning from experienced public servants. Policy analysts were also challenged to understand and take ownership of their mandates, confidently articulating their roles and providing sound guidance.
The Secretary to the Office of the President also urged policy analysts to embrace transfers and serve wherever they were posted, rather than becoming attached to particular ministries or departments. He explained that such exposure would enable them to appreciate the interconnectedness of government programs, identify gaps, and initiate policy proposals that can inform government decisions.
Hajji Kakande commended the government for investing in infrastructure and economic development in the Bunyoro sub-region, citing projects such as Hoima City Stadium and Kabalega International Airport. He noted that these developments had significantly transformed Hoima and the wider Bunyoro region. The government’s efforts were also acknowledged by other officials, including Resident City Commissioner for Hoima City, Hajji Badru Mugabi.
The forum’s objectives, including strengthening professionalism, ethical standards, and accountability, were highlighted by Assistant Commissioner for Human Resource Management, Ms. Samali Ibanda. Participants gained valuable knowledge on policy and other aspects of public service over the five days, and the value of such engagements was measured by what officers implement after returning to their respective institutions.
Key points
- Public servants are encouraged to plan early for retirement by saving, investing, and prioritizing their health.
- Policy analysts are urged to uphold professional standards, cultivate qualities that strengthen their contribution to government decision-making, and provide honest and impartial advice.
- The government’s investments in infrastructure and economic development in the Bunyoro sub-region have significantly transformed the area.
