President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday 3rd September 2024 addressed a key meeting at State House Entebbe, advocating for the strengthening of the Public Service Standing Orders.

With an emphasis on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery, the President underscored the necessity of rationalisation as a fundamental strategy for optimal resource allocation within government structures.

“Rationalisation must go on as the correct system by having a structure that is not extravagant,” President Museveni stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to streamline operations and reduce wastage.

His remarks come as a critical response to ongoing discussions about improving public sector performance.

In the meeting with the Parliamentary Sectoral Committees on Finance, Planning&Economic Development, National Economy, and Agriculture, the President proposed the adoption of the RAPEX concept, coupled with a proposed transitional implementation period of three years for the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

President Museveni also highlighted that focusing on a singular entity with a clear mandate would eliminate redundancy and inefficiencies caused by multiple stakeholders in the system.

Further addressing the need to align public service with national objectives, President Museveni called for the establishment of an economic framework built on scientific knowledge. As part of enhancing agricultural service delivery, he recommended revising government Standing Orders to ensure the inclusion of Agricultural Scientist Personnel at the Sub-county level. This initiative aims to provide better guidance on agricultural practices and optimise food production methods in Uganda.

President Museveni’s dedication to rationalisation and the scientific approach signals a transformative effort toward a more efficient and responsive public service.

In attendance were key parliamentary committee leaders, including:

Hon. Amos Kankunda (MP Rwampara), Chair of Finance, Planning&Economic Development 
Hon. Ikojo John Bosco (MP Bukedea), Chair of the National Economy 
Hon. Linda Auma (Woman MP Lira), Chair of Agriculture 
Hon. Judith Alyek (Woman MP Kole), Chairperson of Equal Opportunities 

Other government officials who attended the meeting included the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka and various government ministry coordinators who expressed their support to the President’s proposal, recognising its potential to streamline functions within government.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa recently hosted the DPHK Executive team, led by Dr. Serawit Bruck-Landais, Regional Global Health Counsellor for Eastern Africa and Somalia. Development Partners Health Kenya (DPHK) are essential collaborators in advancing our Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. 

The discussions centered on the achievements towards UHC, particularly the rollout of services under the Social Health Authority, strengthening primary healthcare, the establishment of primary healthcare networks, the performance of the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) program, and the MPOX response. 

The meeting underscored the importance of ensuring sustainable service delivery during the transition to the Social Health Authority to maintain progress in key areas. 

The team was also briefed on the country’s preparedness for MPOX, highlighting the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to effectively address the threat.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

President Isaias Afwerki met this morning with President Salva Kiir Mayardit of the Republic of South Sudan on the margins of the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.

The two leaders discussed further enhancing the warm and longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between the two sisterly countries, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Speaking to journalists from the Ministry of Information, President Salva Kiir expressed appreciation for the support that President Isaias and the people of Eritrea extended to the people of South Sudan during their struggle.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

The Africa Urban Forum is a continental platform that promotes sustainable development in African human settlements. It is a platform through which governments collaborate to enhance African cities, enabling them to fulfill their potential as centers of hope, growth, and prosperity. The African Union Commission and its member-states established the Africa Urban Forum in 2022 in response to the rising consciousness of the rapid urbanization in Africa, its opportunities,&challenges, and the need to create a continental scale forum to support an inclusive and holistic approach to unlocking the potential of urbanization in the continent.

The Harmonized Regional Framework for Implementing the New Urban Agenda in Africa, developed by the African Union Commission, jointly with UN-Habitat and UNECA serves as the main guiding framework for the deliberations of the Africa Urban Forum. The framework aligns with the transformative vision of Africa’s Agenda 2063 and serves as a pivot for addressing urban related issues in Africa.

Ethiopia will host the Inaugural Africa Urban Forum 2024 to be convened on the 4-6 September 2024 at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum.

The format of the African Urban Forum will include round-tables, plenary sessions/ panel discussions, dialogues, side events, assemblies, and exhibitions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).