Museveni Cautions Administrators Against Identity Politics

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged public administrators to liaise with reformers or political leaders who make a diagnosis in society when it comes to issues of philosophy and ideology. “As you discuss the techniques on how to administer, what are you administering? Neo-colonialism or socio-economic transformation? Ensure that the context in which you administer is correct for socio-economic issues,” he said.

The President made the remarks while officiating at the 4- day 43rd African Association of Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) Round Table Conference and Annual General Meeting running from November 26-29, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala.

He said when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came into power in 1986, it found the public administrators operating and administering under the Neo-colonialism mode, which was a hurdle to political and economic development of the country.

“In 1962, only 9 percent of the homesteads were in the money economy and 91 percent were outside the money economy. As a student movement in the 1960s, our diagnosis was that Africa has to get out of colonial and neo-colonial mode to socio-economic transformation. We told our people that leadership is like medical work, a doctor must look at the patient in front of him and make a diagnosis to know what he is suffering from. If you make a correct diagnosis and prescription, the patient will be healed or vice versa. In society, the political leader or social transformer makes the diagnosis”, he said.

On the other hand, Museveni cautioned the attendees against the politics of identity based on tribe, religion and gender chauvinism, saying it’s detrimental to the development of Africa. “Wars are caused by ideological bankruptcy. Ideologically bankrupt leaders make misdiagnoses on society. Politics of identity based on tribe, religion and gender chauvinism has caused many countries to break up,” the President said.

The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda noted that Public Administrators are at the heart of promoting strong government or where they falter, governments necessarily cannot function optimally.

The AAPAM President, Dr. John Nakabago appreciated President Museveni and the government of Uganda for the support provided to AAPAM. “ We thank you for accepting to host and support this round table conference financially and logistically,” he said.

The Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet also president of AAPAM-Uganda Chapter, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe said Public Administration is crucial in the modern-day world since it serves as the engine that drives service delivery. “To achieve this, public administrators must adapt to changes to tackle the existing challenges. It is a mechanism for action and we expect transformative actions at the end of the sessions”.

The conference, themed: “Agile and Resilient Public Administration Framework for Sustainable Development in Africa”, has brought together over 1,000 delegates from across the continent. Participants will deliberate on strategies to strengthen governance systems to address Africa’s social, economic, and environmental challenges.