By Aggrey Baba
When the hunter sharpens his spear, the antelope better run. That’s the message the government is sending to Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) as it moves to overhaul their terms of service, swapping permanent jobs for renewable contracts tied to performance.
During a recent leadership training in Kyankwanzi, Head of Public Service and Cabinet Secretary, Lucy Nakyobe, made it clear, that the days of comfort and complacency are numbered. Under the new arrangement, CAOs will have to prove their worth to keep their jobs.
“From now on, if you can’t deliver quality service, your contract will not be renewed. It’s as simple as that,” Nakyobe warned. “We’re putting service before sentiment.”
A fresh appraisal committee has been set up to monitor performance in all districts and cities. The team will focus on areas like health service delivery, road maintenance, and education, sectors that have long suffered from poor oversight.
Nakyobe didn’t mince her words when addressing absenteeism. Some CAOs reportedly stay in Kampala to run personal businesses while their offices upcountry run on autopilot. “If you’re posted to Kapchorwa but live in Kampala, who are you really serving?” she asked. “If the shoe doesn’t fit, step aside.”
Despite the tough talk, CAOs raised serious concerns, particularly around pay. While top central government executives earn tens of millions, some CAOs take home less than Shs2 million after taxes. “We’re expected to run entire districts on peanuts,” said Gabriel Atama, the CAO for Tororo. “Please, hear our cry.”
But Nakyobe stood her ground, saying current salary priorities lie with scientists and the army. However, she promised that those who meet performance goals would eventually see a rise in pay.
The government believes these reforms will breathe new life into public service at the local level.
Over 170 CAOs and city clerks participated in the Kyankwanzi training, aimed at sharpening their skills in leadership and governance.
As the government doubles down on accountability, one thing is clear, that the winds of change are blowing, and for CAOs, it’s time to step up, or step out. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
