Investor protection app, president secretary win at AAPAM Awards

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The State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) has been awarded for its innovation of the Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP).

The unit was recognised with a special award for its innovation that tackles a special problem in Africa during the Innovative Management Awards during the 43rd African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) round table conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

The innovation stood out as one of the final six after a tense competition from over 67 competitors from 36 African countries.

According to Prof. John Mary Kauzya, the chairperson of the AAPAM Jury, the committee selected the winners based on five criteria which included the significance, socio-economic impact, sustainability and implementation of the innovation.

AAPAM president, Dr John. Nakabago, said the body leads efforts to strengthen the administrative and management capabilities of African public administration systems and it does so through numerous ways such as organising the Innovative Management Awards.

He said the awards recognise persons and institutions in the public service that have made outstanding contributions in the field of public administration and management in Africa.

Nakabago also thanked the 67 nominees for taking part in the innovative awards.

“We celebrate institutions that demonstrate and promote advanced public management systems and those that make a difference in and beyond Africa,” he said.

Safeguarding investment processes

SHIPU head, Col. Edith Nakalema, informed the gathering that they came up with the digital platform to safeguard investment processes in Uganda, explaining that investment is the backbone of development, so it was crucial to protect it.

SHIPU head, Col. Edith Nakalema, informed the gathering that they came up with the digital platform to safeguard investment processes in Uganda. (Courtesy)

She explained that the portal offers guidance to investors through access to authentic government sources, gives a comprehensive reporting mechanism for investor inquiries and complaints and offers robust enforcement and follow-up on reported issues, complemented by regular feedback to investors.

She also highlighted that the innovation also deals with systematic corruption that threatens investors’ confidence and affects economic growth.

Nakalema further expressed gratitude to the AAPAM for recognising EIPP.

“Like it was clearly stated by the president of AAPAM that this special award is given to an innovation that solves a special problem that cuts across Africa. It means that Uganda’s ICT innovation has managed to fit in the shoes. It's an honour and a privilege and I thank the President [Museveni] for supporting innovations in the country,” she added.

Office of the President secretary recognised

In the same vein, the Secretary- Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, was recognised with an AAPAM Public Service Award for his distinguished service in public administration.

SHIPU head, Col. Edith Nakalema greeting Secretary to Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande. (Courtesy)

Public service minister Wilson Muruli Mukasa handed over the award to Hajji Kakande.

Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Lucy Nakyobe said it was a hard decision to make but they had to carry out a vigorous process.

“We got 72 names; we came up with a criteria to eliminate some of them. The criteria included years of service, achievement, contributions, agility, resilience and dedication to service. After this, we remained with three candidates. We then held an online voting that took three days. After the exercise, we got one person- Hajji Yunus Kakande,” she said.

Nakyobe commended Hajji Kakande who has been in service for the last 42 years for his resilience, tireless efforts and visionary leadership that has shaped policies critical to Uganda's development.

In his acceptance speech, Hajji Kakande thanked AAPAM for recognising his contribution towards Uganda’s Public Administration system.

“I'm so happy for AAPAM for recognising the services I have rendered to this country,” he said.

He revealed that he had been able to reach this far due to his dedication and the trust his superiors have in him.

“In 2018, I turned 60 and I was going to retire but I met Madam Nakyobe who told me that I'm not going anywhere. In the same year, I was given a medal as the best performer in service by the President and subsequently I was appointed the Permanent Secretary Office of the President,” Kakande said.

“The President has also just renewed my contract up to November 2027.”

He also thanked all the people who have contributed to his success in service.

“I want to appeal to the young generation in public service that If you want to succeed in life, you have to be humble, you must be able to work and create a team with others. You must also be time conscious,” Hajji Kakande who has groomed hundreds of public servants advised.

“Young officers don't rest if you want to make a difference. Be hardworking and be loyal to your superiors.”

The awardees showing off their awards. (Courtesy)

Hajji Kakande who was first appointed Secretary Office of the President in 2018, is one of the longest serving public servants in the country who have served with dedication and utmost integrity.

Prior, the experienced Kakande served as the assistant secretary, senior assistant secretary, principal assistant secretary and undersecretary-Office of the President.