Uganda will play host to the prestigious 43rd African Association of Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) Round Table Conference and Annual General Meeting from November 26th to 29th, 2024. The conference, to be held at the renowned Speke Resort Munyonyo, will welcome over 1,000 delegates from across the African continent, including government officials, public administration experts, and other dignitaries. Under the theme, “Agile and Resilient Public Administration Frameworks for Sustainable Development in Africa,” the event seeks to foster collaboration and innovation in public sector management across the continent.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to inaugurate the conference as the chief guest, underscoring Uganda’s dedication to advancing public service standards.
Addressing the media ahead of the event, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Lucy Nakyobe conveyed Uganda’s honour in hosting this year’s conference, noting the relevance of such a gathering in today’s rapidly evolving governance landscape. “This conference provides an invaluable platform for us to share experiences, refine our practices, and address the real challenges facing African public service,” she remarked. “As public servants, we are here to drive change and contribute to a resilient and responsive administration that meets the needs of our people.”
Nakyobe emphasized the value of agile governance in an era of global uncertainty, stressing that public administrators must be well-equipped to adapt and respond to shifting dynamics. “Public administration must evolve to meet the demands of modern society,” she said. “Through this conference, we aim to chart a path forward—one where African governments are empowered to implement sustainable policies that foster economic growth, social equity, and resilience.”
Structured to encourage collaboration, the conference will feature panel discussions, keynote speeches, and workshops on topics ranging from digital governance and policy innovation to ethical leadership and crisis response. With insights from globally recognised public administration experts, participants will have the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions on contemporary governance challenges and share best practices for sustainable development.
Minister of Public Service Hon. Muruli Mukasa noted the significance of hosting the conference, particularly as Uganda currently holds the AAPAM presidency. “This is a remarkable opportunity for Uganda to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s public administration,” he said. “We are united in our pursuit of a resilient governance framework that upholds transparency, accountability, and progress for all.”
Uganda’s active involvement in AAPAM is highlighted by Dr. John Nakabago’s leadership as AAPAM President. Dr. Nakabago, also serving as the Director of Finance and Administration at the Uganda Management Institute, has been a pivotal figure in the organisation’s efforts to promote professionalism in public administration across Africa. Uganda’s local chapter of AAPAM, housed at the Uganda Management Institute, has played a key role in the network, supporting initiatives like the Young Professionals Network (YPN), the Women in African Public Administration Network (WAPAN), and other vital programs that encourage specialisation and innovation within public service.
Nakyobe further highlighted Uganda’s role in these networks, which contribute to a more informed and connected African public sector. “AAPAM’s networks bring together professionals with diverse expertise, allowing us to tap into collective wisdom to solve unique challenges. Uganda is proud to lead by example, encouraging growth and collaboration in public administration across the continent.”
The conference is projected to bring significant economic benefits to Uganda, with over 1,200 attendees expected to explore Uganda’s vibrant culture and heritage, contributing to local businesses and tourism. Lucy Nakyobe encouraged delegates to immerse themselves in Uganda’s beauty and culture. “As we welcome our brothers and sisters from across Africa, we are also eager to showcase the warmth, resilience, and richness of Ugandan culture,” she stated. “Our hospitality is a reflection of the values that drive our public service: service, respect, and unity.”
Nakyobe also urged the Ugandan public to embrace the event, calling it an opportunity to reinforce Uganda’s image on the international stage. “This conference is not just an event; it is a testament to Uganda’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s public sector and commitment to sustainable governance,” she added.
Founded in the 1960s and affiliated with the African Union, AAPAM continues to be a vital force in improving public administration on the continent. Its flagship Round Table Conference provides an annual forum for African nations to share ideas, tackle pressing issues, and collectively envision a path toward resilient and sustainable public administration.
As delegates gather in Kampala to address governance challenges, the 43rd AAPAM Round Table Conference promises to leave a lasting impact on Africa’s journey towards more agile, resilient, and sustainable public sector management.
