Gen Katumba Wamala pledges reforms as he takes over Public Service ministry

The newly appointed minister of Public Service, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, officially assumed office today and pledged to strengthen efficiency, accountability and performance across government institutions.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the ministry of Public Service, Katumba said he would prioritise improving service delivery and streamlining payroll and pension management systems to ensure they operate more effectively.

“I am fortunate to have served in public service before, from the security sector to the ministry of Works and Transport. I believe I can perform my duties effectively and meet the expectations of Ugandans,” Katumba said.

He added that he would continue learning from the ministry’s technical staff and work closely with them to improve public service delivery.

Katumba takes over a ministry that continues to face several operational challenges.

The outgoing minister of Public Service Wilson Muruli Mukasa said the ministry is grappling with a number of issues, including the implementation of the Rationalisation of Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) policy, which has created uncertainty among some public servants.

Mukasa also cited inadequate transport facilities that affect service delivery, the continued presence of ghost workers and ghost pensioners on government payrolls, salary disparities across public institutions, and other administrative challenges.

“These are some of the challenges facing the ministry. However, as we enter the new financial year, I am optimistic that progress will be made in addressing them,” he said.

At the same event, Lydia Wanyoto officially assumed office as state minister for Public Service, replacing Mary Mugasa, who was recently redeployed to serve as minister for Bunyoro Affairs.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mugasa urged the new leadership to tackle corruption, which she described as one of the biggest challenges affecting government agencies.

“Corruption is rampant in recruitment processes, especially within local governments. This must be addressed if we are to improve public service delivery,” Mugasa said.

She also highlighted capacity gaps in policy implementation and called for continued efforts to secure salary enhancements for public servants.

The new ministers now face the task of implementing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, restoring public confidence and ensuring that government services reach citizens more effectively.

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