Uganda signs deal with Singapore-based institute to boost public sector

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In a landmark step towards improving governance and service delivery, Uganda has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Singapore-based Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) to strengthen its public sector performance and leadership.

An international non-profit organization, CIG works with governments worldwide to build a strong and efficient public sector.

Its CEO Wu Wei Neng formalized the agreement with Uganda virtually on Tuesday (April 8).

The Directorate for Ethics and Integrity (DEI), led by permanent secretary Dunstan Balaba, signed on behalf of the Ugandan government in Kampala.

This Uganda-CIG collaboration will focus on leadership development, accountability, integrity building, and global knowledge sharing.

Wu Wei Neng, CIG’s CEO right shows off the MOU paper signed virtually with Directorate for Ethics and Integrity in Uganda. (Photo by Richard Ategeka)

Ugandan civil servants will be empowered with practical tools and international best practices tailored to the country’s unique needs.

CEO Wu said they are committed to supporting Uganda’s national development and governance goals.

“This MoU is an affirmation of the sincere intent that both parties have to work together for the benefit of Uganda and the people of Uganda,” he said.

“There are no strings attached and everything is based on open, transparent, and mutually respectful co-operation.”

On the CIG side, other representatives who witnessed the signing were Ho Wei Jiang (dean of CAG, the training arm of CIG) and Zixia Chen (executive of government projects and partnerships).

On the Ugandan side, PS Balaba welcomed the deal and said it formalizes a collaboration that has been under way for some time.

“We are glad that we have reached this period where we can now formally define our roles through this MoU. It includes leadership development initiatives, especially in collaboration with the Civil Service College of Uganda,” he said.

Key initiatives under the agreement include capacity-building programmes, integrity scorecards to measure and enhance accountability, training workshops, international benchmarking visits, and the development of analytical research reports.

“Before the end of this financial year in June, our permanent secretaries will visit Singapore to see first-hand how governance systems there have evolved so we can learn, adapt, and apply what works best for Uganda,” said Balaba.

He said it is everyone’s responsibility to report any corrupt tendency and that DEI is ready to face the Cabinet (ministers) with a firm action plan to eliminate it.

Dr Fixon Akonya Okonye, Uganda’s Internal Auditor General, echoed the importance of the partnership in tackling governance challenges.

“Corruption is a global challenge, and our response must be strategic and continuous. This partnership helps us tighten compliance, improve service delivery, and strengthen the institutions already in place," he said.

'Integrity and hard work'

Meanwhile, CIG chief executive Wu said that anti-corruption efforts in Singapore are underpinned by a very strong legislative, regulatory, and policy framework to prevent, deter, and punish corruption.

“Singapore has always taken a zero-tolerance approach to corruption,” he said.

He also underlined that despite lacking natural resources and being a small country, Singapore’s development has hinged on integrity, hard work, and strong governance frameworks.

Wu noted that Uganda has demonstrated commitment to improving governance and public service delivery.

“This has been a consistent message we have received from Uganda’s leadership since our first visit in September 2023. We believe that both our nations share a common interest in better governance as the foundation of national prosperity.”

However, he cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach. 

“We do not think that experiences from Singapore can be directly cut and pasted without any modifications or customization for the unique context of Uganda.”

The collaboration, Wu added, aims to support Uganda’s efforts in building a high-integrity, effective government that meets citizen expectations and drives national development.