President Yoweri Museveni has issued a directive aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about the promotion of contract staff under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a letter addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubaker, the President highlighted complaints from employees who have served the Ministry for over a decade without being considered for promotion.
The President acknowledged that some staff members, who joined the Ministry at the same time and rank as others, had been overlooked for promotion despite possessing the necessary qualifications and experience. He stated that these employees would only be eligible for promotion following his directive.
“I have been receiving several complaints from staff that were appointed on contract in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following my directives. They state that whereas they have been serving in the Ministry for over 10 years, they have never been considered for promotion and yet some staff who joined with them at the same rank have since been promoted,” Museveni’s letter reads.
In response, the President has ordered that the promotion process be initiated for these long-serving contract staff. He emphasized that the promotions should be carried out in a phased manner, given financial constraints related to the Ministry’s wage bill. Priority, he said, should be based on the employees’ years of service and qualifications.
One notable case highlighted in the letter is that of Jackie Kemirembe, who has served as a Third Secretary for over 15 years. President Museveni has specifically recommended that Kemirembe be promoted to the rank of Counsellor.
The directive was copied to the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring that the promotion process moves forward swiftly and transparently.
The President’s intervention comes after mounting pressure from employees who have voiced frustrations about being overlooked for promotions, particularly when other colleagues with similar experience have advanced within the ranks. This move is expected to restore confidence and boost morale among the Ministry’s contract staff.
Observers within the Ministry have welcomed the President’s directive, noting that it could serve as a precedent for other government departments facing similar staff promotion bottlenecks.
