Uganda is to host the 43rd African Association of Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) Round Table Conference and Annual General Meeting.
The meeting which is slated between November 26-29, 2024 will take place at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Over 700 delegates across Africa have confirmed their participation.
The conference will be Uganda’s 3rd time hosting the occasion, the first which was the 20th conference took place in 1998 while the 2nd which 38th conference took place in 2018. It brings together Africa’s public administration leaders to deliberate on advancements in the sector.
The conference under the theme “Agile and Resilient Public Administration Framework for Sustainable Development in Africa”. The aim is to drive discussions on strengthening governance systems across Africa to address the continent’s pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Muruli Mukasa, the Minister for Public Service, noted that the meeting is timely as Uganda undergoes public service restructuring under the rationalization of agencies. The country plans to draw valuable insights from states that have undertaken similar transformations.
“Nowadays, people require instant responses because that’s what the world demands. The public service should also adopt this agility to meet contemporary needs while upholding the principles of the service. Unlike the old-fashioned style, where communication could take an entire month for approvals, things have changed,” he stated.
According to Mukasa, the gathering positions Uganda as a top destination for international conferences, with accompanying economic and cultural benefits, including increased tourism, investment opportunities, and a chance to showcase Uganda’s cultural heritage. “With partnerships across government ministries, UN bodies, international institutes, and corporations like Kenya Airways, the conference is also an opportunity to boost Uganda’s global visibility. Steps have been taken to facilitate delegate participation, including streamlined visa processing and safety measures for all attendees,” he added.
Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet said that the conference would reinforce Uganda’s role as a leader in public administration, showcasing its capacity to host high-calibre international forums that promote sustainable development.
It will also emphasize policy recommendations on technology integration, effective leadership, and efficient service delivery, proposing governance solutions for sustainable and inclusive growth and promoting enhanced collaboration and partnership opportunities, especially for local businesses and professionals.
