The Government of Uganda, in collaboration with the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) and its Ugandan chapter, UAPAM, is set to host the 43rd AAPAM Round Table Conference and Annual General Meeting. This premier event will bring together over 700 delegates from across Africa, offering a significant platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and the strengthening of public administration across the continent. The conference, which will run under the theme “Agile and Resilient Governance for Sustainable Development in Africa,” is slated to take place in Uganda, marking a crucial milestone in Uganda’s public administration leadership.

The AAPAM Round Table Conference has been an annual event since its inception in 1971, consistently driving conversations that shape and advance public administration across Africa. Previous editions have witnessed active participation from senior government officials, thought leaders, and public administration experts, and this year’s event aims to build on the success of the 42nd round table which was held in Zambia in December 2022. The conference’s objectives align closely with the values of resilience, innovation, and sustainable governance, addressing both current and future challenges facing the African public sector.

The AAPAM 43rd Round Table Conference and Annual General Meeting was officially launched today at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI) by the Minister for Public Service, Hon. Muruuli Mukasa. He was joined by key Ugandan public service leaders, including AAPAM President Dr. John Nakabago, Dr. James Nkata, Director General of UMI and AAPAM Secretary General in Uganda, and Madam Lucy Nakyobe, Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet. Their presence underscored Uganda’s commitment to advancing public administration excellence across Africa.

The launch event was marked by significant speeches from these leaders. Hon. Muruuli Mukasa emphasized the importance of agile and resilient governance as the foundation for professionalism within Africa’s public service. He highlighted AAPAM’s affiliate status with the African Union and its network of diverse professionals across five regions of the continent, with dedicated groups for young professionals, human resources managers, and cabinet secretaries. He stressed the importance of professional growth, knowledge sharing, and creating strong Pan-African ties that will enable African countries to support one another in capacity building and resource mobilization.

Madam Lucy Nakyobe, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, underscored the necessity of equipping African public administrators with skills to adapt and thrive in an evolving world. As the President of UAPAM and a key member of the National Organising Committee, she noted that the conference aims to foster ethical practices, effective governance, and sustainable development across Africa. “Through this event, Uganda reaffirms its commitment to fostering a prosperous future for all Africans,” she stated, adding that the conference would provide a rare opportunity to explore strategies for building strong, resilient institutions that can address social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Conference Highlights and Objectives

The 43rd AAPAM Round Table Conference will address a range of critical topics central to the future of Africa’s public administration, including:

1. Innovation and Resilience in Governance – The conference will explore ways to build resilient public institutions capable of responding to the evolving needs of African citizens. This includes integrating innovative solutions and digital technologies into governance structures to ensure effective service delivery.
2. Sustainable Development and Effective Leadership – In line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the conference will focus on how African governments can foster sustainable growth while promoting social inclusion and environmental stewardship.
3. Capacity Building and Financial Inclusion – With limited financial resources presenting a common challenge across African countries, the event will discuss strategies for mobilizing resources, fostering financial inclusion, and strengthening the capacity of public institutions to implement long-term development agendas.
4. Innovation Management Awards – A highlight of the event, the AAPAM Innovation Management Awards, will recognize outstanding achievements in public service innovation, providing valuable insights into successful practices from across the continent.

THE ROLE OF UGANDA AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PAN-AFRICAN COLLABORATION

As the host country, Uganda aims to showcase its achievements in public administration while offering a welcoming environment for learning and collaboration. Delegates from various African nations will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ugandan culture, language, and customs, further strengthening the Pan-African spirit that is the bedrock of AAPAM’s mission.

Uganda’s leadership in this event demonstrates its commitment to fostering professional networks across the continent and its readiness to engage in capacity-building initiatives. This engagement reflects Uganda’s belief in the significance of Pan-African collaboration as a pillar for Africa’s survival and growth. In addition, the conference provides a platform for Uganda to highlight investment opportunities within its borders and promote Uganda’s modest, English-speaking populace as a resource on the global stage.

Forging a Path Forward for Africa’s Public Administration

At its core, the AAPAM Round Table aims to equip Africa’s public administrators with the tools and insights required to navigate the complexities of modern governance. The outcomes of this conference, including policy recommendations and innovative governance strategies, will be documented and shared widely, plugging gaps in Africa’s public administration landscape and fostering a more resilient and efficient public service sector.

The 43rd AAPAM Round Table Conference stands as a beacon of progress, representing the collective ambitions of African leaders to overcome challenges through unity, innovation, and shared knowledge. It underscores the essential role of effective governance in driving inclusive development and paves the way for a prosperous future for all Africans.