The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kibale District, Godfrey Kamagara, has urged public servants to exercise empathy, integrity and professionalism while executing their duties.
Kamagara made the remarks on Friday while representing the Minister of Public Service, Hon. Katumba Wamala Edward, during an orientation and refresher training organised by Civil Service College Uganda for newly recruited public servants and staff undergoing refresher training.
The training was aimed at equipping public servants with the knowledge, skills and professional values required to effectively execute their responsibilities and improve service delivery to citizens.
Kamagara challenged the newly recruited staff to understand that public service is about serving citizens and responding to their needs with humility, patience and compassion.
He urged them to treat members of the public with respect regardless of their social or economic status, noting that many citizens approach government offices when they are seeking essential services.
The Deputy RDC cautioned public servants against corruption, abuse of office, favouritism and other forms of misconduct that undermine public confidence in government institutions.
He encouraged the officers to uphold honesty, transparency and accountability in the execution of their duties, stressing that public resources and offices are entrusted to them for the benefit of the people.
Kamagara further urged the staff to avoid practices that delay or deny citizens access to government services, saying professionalism should be reflected in the way public servants communicate and handle the concerns of the people they serve.
He also called on the newly recruited staff to continuously develop their skills and embrace teamwork, discipline and a strong work ethic.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer commended Civil Service College Uganda for organising the induction programme, saying such initiatives are important in preparing newly recruited public servants for their responsibilities.
The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer noted that proper induction helps staff understand the values, expectations and standards of the public service, while also equipping them with the necessary knowledge to perform their duties effectively.
The officer encouraged the newly recruited staff to take advantage of the training and put the knowledge acquired into practice in their respective workplaces.
The orientation and refresher programme is intended to strengthen the capacity of public servants and promote a professional, ethical and citizen-centred public service.
The training comes at a time when government continues to emphasise improved service delivery, accountability and the fight against corruption across public institutions.
Kamagara reminded the participants that their conduct in government offices directly shapes the public’s perception of government.
He therefore encouraged them to become responsible public servants who can be trusted to deliver services fairly, efficiently and without demanding illegal payments from citizens.