Economy
Nakalema Urges Stronger Collaboration Among Government Agencies to Drive Transformation
Leaders of government agencies have been urged to strengthen collaborative efforts in order to accelerate Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
The call was made by Col. Edith Nakalema, Senior Presidential Advisor on Anti-Corruption and Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), during a follow-up meeting with agency heads at SHIPU offices in Kampala on Tuesday. The engagement followed an earlier meeting held last week, and focused on strategies for improving cooperation among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure effective service delivery.
“The continuation of this conversation remains focused on how our collaborative efforts as public sector executives deliver value to all citizens that sustains the transformation of households,” Nakalema said.
She appealed to agency leaders to make full use of SHIPU’s platform to reinforce institutional collaboration, stressing that it is through united efforts that Uganda will achieve tangible gains in service delivery and development.
Leaders Call for Innovation and Engagement
The meeting drew contributions from several CEOs and executives of government institutions, who emphasised youth engagement, improved communication, and stronger teamwork.
Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, highlighted the influence of young people, particularly through social media.
“Our strategy must apply across all plans, reaching people and driving work within our respective areas. The influence of youth, particularly through their strong capacity on social media, enables them to inspire and influence one another easily,” he said.
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Executive Director, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, noted that while the government has achieved much, the challenge remains in how those achievements are communicated. He called for more deliberate engagement with young people and active listening to their concerns.
Uganda Manufacturers Association Executive Director, Dr. Ezra Muhumuza, stressed the importance of teamwork, saying: “I support the use of established teams, such as the publicly known Presidential Advisory Committee on Budget (PACOB), instead of working alone.”
Kenneth Kaijuka, CEO of National Housing and Construction Company, suggested regular CEO forums to showcase government efforts and successes, while Mr. Osborn Turyasingura of the National Councils (Youth, Women, Older Persons, and Persons with Disabilities) proposed using sports and entertainment to mobilize young people and encourage them to join financial support programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Electricity Regulatory Authority CEO, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako called for standardisation of government communication.
“We must have our own platform that contributes to conveying our achievements to the public,” she said.
Mr. Robert Mugabe, Commissioner of Intellectual Property at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, noted that existing programs targeting vulnerable groups can be leveraged to inspire mindset change among the youth.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chris Mukiza, Executive Director of Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), emphasised the role of CEOs in countering misinformation, urging leaders to take a proactive stance in shaping the public narrative.
In her closing remarks, Col. Nakalema commended the CEOs for their dedication and reiterated her appeal for stronger collaboration across agencies.
“As SHIPU’s mandate is to coordinate Ministries, Departments and Agencies, my appeal is for you to fully utilise this exclusive platform to reinforce institutional collaboration that will foster transformational gains for the populace,” she said.
The series of meetings, convened under SHIPU, are expected to shape long-term strategies that enhance accountability, streamline service delivery, and strengthen citizen trust in government institutions.
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