Kamuli, Uganda: The Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Grace Lubaale, has issued a strong warning to civil servants in Kamuli District and Municipality, urging them to uphold integrity, accountability and ethical leadership in public service.
Delivering his inaugural pastoral message to district and municipal officials, Bishop Lubaale described public service as a calling rather than a privilege, cautioning that leaders are ultimately accountable to God through the people they serve.
“Live a purposeful life in your time and ensure your legacy is defined by stewardship, integrity and service. Do not abuse your office because it reflects on your generation,” he told the gathering.
The Bishop raised concern over declining work ethics in the civil service, pointing to absenteeism, poor time management, internal conflicts and unhealthy competition for promotions as factors undermining service delivery.
“Civil service is increasingly becoming known for lateness and absenteeism. These habits create a poor legacy that will follow you,” he warned, adding that intrigue, rumour-mongering and workplace divisions continue to weaken institutional performance.
He urged civil servants to respect established codes of conduct, embrace teamwork and avoid actions that fuel conflict within offices. “Stay in your lane. Once you cross into unnecessary competition and intrigue, you create confusion and weaken the system,” Bishop Lubaale advised.
Beyond governance, the Bishop also called on leaders to take an active role in environmental conservation, encouraging tree planting and sustainable practices to combat climate change.
“God entrusted mankind with nature, but we are destroying it. Let us plant trees and protect the environment as part of our stewardship,” he said, symbolically planting a tree at the district headquarters to mark his visit.
Kamuli Chief Administrative Officer Ben Lawrence Marley welcomed the message, describing it as a timely reminder for public officers to recommit to ethical service delivery. “Your message has challenged us to reflect deeply and renew our commitment to accountability, integrity and leaving a positive legacy,” Marley said.
Similarly, Kamuli Municipal Town Clerk Stanislaus Mangasa said the Bishop’s guidance would help reshape attitudes among civil servants. “This has been more than a spiritual message, it is a call to action. It has strengthened our resolve to serve diligently and responsibly,” he noted.
Local leaders, including Resident District Commissioner Rose Birungi, attended the engagement, which focused on improving service delivery, restoring ethical standards and promoting responsible leadership across public institutions.
The pastoral visit comes at a time when concerns over accountability and efficiency in Uganda’s public service remain a national issue, with leaders increasingly calling for reforms to strengthen transparency, discipline and performance in government institutions.
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