Hajji Kakande Urges Public Servants to Prepare Early for Retirement

The Secretary to the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, has advised public servants in Uganda to start preparing for retirement early. He emphasized the importance of saving, investing, and taking care of one's health to ensure a smooth transition into life after service. Kakande made these remarks while closing the Third Policy Analyst Cadre Forum at Hoima Resort in Hoima City on November 13, 2026.

The forum, organized by the Office of the President, brought together policy analysts from government institutions to discuss professionalism in public policy management and effective public service delivery. Kakande cautioned public servants against starting businesses they may struggle to manage after retirement, particularly trading ventures. Instead, he recommended activities such as farming and cattle rearing, which can be more manageable for retirees.

Kakande also emphasized the importance of policy analysts taking their responsibilities seriously and providing advice to the government based on facts, research, and professional judgment. He encouraged them to read widely, conduct research, and learn from experienced public servants to stay updated on developments across government. Furthermore, he urged officers to remain honest and impartial when advising the government, even if their recommendations may be unpopular.

The forum covered various topics, including public policy in Uganda, governance, performance management, diplomacy, protocol, retirement planning, personal development, and mental health. Kakande asked policy analysts to accept transfers to other ministries, departments, and agencies, which would help them understand how different government institutions operate and identify policy gaps.

During the forum, Kakande praised the government for investments in the Bunyoro sub-region, citing projects such as Hoima City Stadium, Kabalega International Airport, and oil and gas initiatives. He stated that these projects have transformed Hoima and created opportunities for the region. Kakande also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for supporting development projects in Bunyoro.

Other speakers at the forum, including Dr. Shafic Mujabi, a senior lecturer and researcher, emphasized the importance of mental health for public servants. Dr. Mujabi advised officers to manage stress at work and in their personal lives, identifying depression, anxiety, and psychosis as common mental health conditions that can affect individuals. He encouraged officers to prioritize their mental well-being and seek ways to manage stress.

The five-day forum concluded with participants resolving to brief their accounting officers on the forum's resolutions and follow up on their implementation. The event provided a platform for policy analysts to share experiences and discuss ways to improve government policy formulation and implementation.

Key points

• Public servants in Uganda are advised to prepare early for retirement by saving, investing, and prioritizing their health.
• The government has invested in various projects in the Bunyoro sub-region, including Hoima City Stadium and Kabalega International Airport.
• Mental health was a key topic discussed during the forum, with experts advising public servants on managing stress and prioritizing their well-being.