Overview:
The revelation came during a conference hosted by the Human Resource Management Association of Uganda (HRMAU) at the Las Vegas Hotel in Mbarara City. The three-day event brought together HR professionals from local government units, government universities, hospitals, and MDAs to share insights, strategies, and best practices.
Human Resource Managers have raised concerns over the mental health challenges faced by their staff in the workplace. The revelation came during a conference hosted by the Human Resource Management Association of Uganda (HRMAU) at the Las Vegas Hotel in Mbarara City. The three-day event brought together HR professionals from local government units, government universities, hospitals, and MDAs to share insights, strategies, and best practices.
The conference was held under the theme: “Transforming Human Resource Management Practices for Institutional Success and Improved Service Delivery: Ethics, Systems, and Talent Management.”
Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, said the conference aims to build capacity and provide strategic guidance, particularly as the fourth National Development Plan and the Public Sector Transformation Program are being implemented.
She urged HR managers to advocate for solutions that address workplace mental health challenges while also supporting the fight against corruption.
Opening the conference on Wednesday evening, State Minister for Public Service Grace Mary Mugasa warned HR managers against colluding with politicians to recruit unskilled personnel. “I know some politicians interfere in your professional work, and you fear to act because of threats to promotion or blackmail. But when you perform professionally, politicians will recognize your work. We also need a policy to guide this,” she said.
Mugasa also called for patience regarding planned salary enhancements for HR officers. “You may think we are joking about salary enhancement, but I assure you it is coming. I know what it means to work in local government, and we are passionate about this,” she said.
Solomy Nasejje Luyombo, General Manager of Human Resources at Centenary Bank, urged HR officers to embrace technology and keep up with global trends. “HR professionals here, if you don’t know how to use AI, you are in trouble. Get young people to guide you. In two minutes, you can get a summary of cabinet deliberations. This is how we will transform public service; we shouldn’t pretend we know it all,” she said.
Luyombo also highlighted mental health challenges among staff, noting that financial and family pressures contribute to poor performance and alcohol abuse. “People are struggling with mental health challenges, especially Bipolar Disorder. If we do not support them, they cannot give their best. Many suffer quietly, resorting to excessive drinking. We need to be observant, approachable, and understanding of our staff,” she said.
Ronald Taremwa, Secretary of Finance and Administration at Mbarara City Council, representing Mayor Robert Kakyebezi, lamented HR-related challenges in newly created cities, which have smaller employee structures despite being legally equivalent to districts.
Taremwa also expressed concern about rigid promotion structures, noting that employees often blame HR officers for lack of advancement when the system itself does not provide opportunities.
“Employees will continue blaming HR officers for not getting promotions when the structure does not allow it. We need to ensure that staff are rewarded patiently and with integrity,” he said.
The conference is attended by over 500 HR professionals, including HR Commissioners, Heads of Human Resource, and senior and principal HR managers.
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