President Warns Against Corruption, Calls for Reforms in Procurement System

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the Permanent Secretaries for aligning with the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s vision of socio-economic transformation.

“I’m happy that finally, you people are aligned with the National Resistance Movement’s vision because that is what Ramathan Ggoobi said—you agree with our vision of socio-economic transformation,” he said.

The President made these remarks on Thursday, 17th October 2024, while meeting with Permanent Secretaries at State House, Entebbe. The Permanent Secretaries from various government ministries were led by the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe.

President Museveni also pledged continued support to the Permanent Secretaries in executing their supervisory roles, as stipulated by Article 174 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which includes implementing government policies and ensuring the proper expenditure of public funds in the ministries.

He emphasized that socio-economic transformation could be achieved through four sectors of the economy: commercial agriculture with “ekibaro,” manufacturing, services, and ICT.

“This society must undergo socio-economic transformation. So, when the Permanent Secretaries and top technocrats of the country understand this, it’s very good, and I’m very happy about that,” the President noted.

President Museveni further explained that Uganda’s economy had grown progressively due to the correct ideology of the NRM government.

“In our 10-point programme, we said for Uganda, we are going to use a strategy of a mixed economy. We may have some parastatals, but the main economy will be in private hands. We moved away from the mistakes of Obote and Amin, and gave the economy to the population, which is why it is growing despite challenges like corruption.”

The President also warned the Permanent Secretaries against corruption.

“On corruption, you have the lead role because you are in charge of government money, personnel, and procurement, constitutionally,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of the four core principles of the NRM—Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation, and Democracy—in promoting prosperity.

Separately, President Museveni expressed surprise at the abuse of the government’s salary enhancement strategy by some scientists who are now applying for early retirement to benefit from the enhanced retirement package.

“The law should be clear that there should be no early retirement, especially for those who have received an enhanced package. With an enhanced package, you should serve your term. They will not get that package. I’m going to write an executive order.”

Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, represented the Forum for Permanent Secretaries. He commended President Museveni’s leadership, which he is providing to the country and the region.

“The Permanent Secretaries wish to commit to supporting your efforts in promoting Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through effective implementation of various wealth creation programs, specifically the Parish Development Model, to ensure full monetization of the economy,” he said.

He also pledged that the Permanent Secretaries stand firmly behind the President in the fight against corruption in ministries, departments, agencies, commissions, and local governments.

Mr. Ggoobi further pointed out issues affecting wealth creation, development, and service delivery in the country.

“One of the key issues is the corruption within the current procurement system, which is riddled with avenues for corruption and leads to huge losses of government funds, knowing that most of our work is done through procurement,” Mr. Ggoobi urged.

“The Permanent Secretaries recommend that the time has come to establish a properly functioning procurement system so that we can save government money and work more efficiently.”