Unchained

Unchained is a journeying of narratives exploring the meaning of service and its transformation in Uganda right from the pre-colonial period. It culminates in a modern-day examination of where the problem is in Uganda’s Public Service today. The author acknowledges that the Ugandan workspace has evolved substantially over the years. Nonetheless, Conceptual Clarity (deep and wholesome understanding of one’s work) and an Abundance Mentality (a positive mindset) remain very important tools for the modern-day Public Servant. At the institutional level, Mandate Migration (doing what ought not to be done and leaving what ought to be done undone) plagues the cohesive operation of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.Using his personal experiences, as Permanent Secretary, he demonstrates that a positive attitude and thinking “outside the box” are free of charge and cost a good worker nothing to expend. It is without doubt that the Public Service in Uganda has fundamental fl aws (exacerbated by endemic corruption) that must be addressed but that is no excuse for the indifference, unresponsiveness and negativity of some of Uganda’s public servants. These should be fought and be defeated decisively in order to bequeath the future generations with a fruitful inheritance.