By BM
Dr Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health has issued a stern warning to government workers across the country to either follow the proper procedures before going on study leave or holidays or face dismissal.
This tough stance comes amid growing complaints of absenteeism in government schools and health facilities due to unauthorized study leaves reportedly taken by some public servants.
Dr Atwine says this careless practice has negatively affected service delivery in government facilities.
She proposes that anyone who goes on leave without approval should be dismissed and replaced immediately to safeguard essential services.
In a related move, Ben Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, cautioned teachers against resorting to industrial strikes, highlighting the detrimental impact such actions have on student performance.
“Industrial action during the third term, when students need their teachers most, is not good and not in line with the Constitution,” he said.
The Ministry of Health’s PS was speaking during an engagement meeting with District and Municipal Council Education and Health Officers at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
The meeting, held jointly with the Ministry of Local Government, aimed to listen to challenges faced at the district level.
Kumumanya emphasized the critical role of ethics and professionalism in public service, reminding officers that under the Public Service Act, 2008, they are expected to remain loyal to the government, provide impartial advice, and perform their duties with transparency and accountability.
He urged Education Officers to guide teachers to pursue dialogue and lawful channels instead of abandoning classrooms, especially during critical academic periods.
The message from both Permanent Secretaries is clear: government workers must honor their responsibilities and follow established procedures or risk losing their jobs.
The government is prepared to act decisively to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and uphold professionalism in the public sector.
