KAMPALA, 29 September 2026: The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA) has held a two-day induction programme for newly recruited State Attorneys and RAPEX staff, equipping the officers with an understanding of the Ministry’s mandate, institutional structure, systems, professional expectations and responsibilities as they begin their careers in public service.
The induction, held from 28–29 September 2026 at the Ministry Headquarters, was organised by the Human Resource Unit as part of the Ministry’s efforts to ensure that newly appointed officers are properly oriented to the institution they have joined and are equipped to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
The programme brought together newly recruited State Attorneys and RAPEX staff for a series of presentations and engagements aimed at helping them understand how the Ministry operates and how different functions contribute to the delivery of legal services, justice and effective public administration.
Understanding the Ministry and its mandate
Opening the induction, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Robert Kasande, welcomed the new officers and congratulated them upon joining the Ministry.
Mr. Kasande encouraged them to appreciate public service as an opportunity to serve Government and the people of Uganda, noting that although the officers came from different professional and institutional backgrounds, they were now part of an institution with a common mandate.
He explained that the Ministry occupies a unique position within Government, providing legal advice, legal support and representation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged the new officers to develop an understanding of the Ministry beyond the specific departments to which they had been deployed.
He also urged officers joining from other Government institutions to familiarise themselves with MoJCA’s systems, culture and the Public Service Standing Orders, while remaining open to learning and collaboration.
Mr. Kasande further noted that public officers may be deployed or transferred to different areas of responsibility during their careers and encouraged the officers to embrace opportunities to learn and serve in different capacities.
The Deputy Solicitor General, Mr. Charles Ouma, also welcomed the new State Attorneys and highlighted the important role they will play in supporting the Ministry’s mandate and representing Government in legal matters.
He encouraged the officers to understand the wider justice sector and the environment in which Government legal work is undertaken, while developing the professional discipline required to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
Getting acquainted with the Ministry’s work
The first day of the induction featured presentations from heads of departments and their representatives, who took the new staff through the functions, responsibilities and operations of their respective departments.
The sessions covered 1st Parliamentary Counsel, Legal Advisory Services, the Office of the Administrator General, Civil Litigation and the Law Council, providing the new officers with an overview of how the different functions contribute to the Ministry’s mandate.
The engagements also gave the officers an opportunity to appreciate the interconnected nature of the Ministry’s work and the importance of collaboration across departments in delivering services to Government and the public.
For the State Attorneys, the orientation provided an opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the legal environment within which Government operates and the responsibilities involved in providing legal services and representation to Government.
Strengthening understanding of systems and performance
On the second day, the officers were taken through key systems and tools that will support them in the execution of their responsibilities.
The Human Resource Team introduced the new staff to the Human Capital Management System, familiarising them with the system used in managing key human resource processes within the public service.
They were also introduced to the Balanced Scorecard Tool, providing an understanding of the Ministry’s approach to performance management and the importance of linking individual responsibilities to institutional objectives.
The sessions were intended to ensure that the new officers not only understand the work of the Ministry, but also appreciate the systems and performance expectations that underpin effective public service delivery.
Taking the Oath of Office and Secrecy
An important part of the second day was the undertaking of the Official Oath and Oath of Secrecy, as stipulated in the Public Service Standing Orders.
The exercise formally affirmed the officers’ commitment to the responsibilities and obligations that come with public service, including the duty to safeguard official information.
Closing the programme on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the Undersecretary, Mr. Muhindo Moris, emphasised the significance of the oath, particularly the obligation of secrecy.
He reminded the officers that their responsibility to protect official information extends throughout their time in public service and cautioned them against communicating information relating to official matters without the required authorisation.
He emphasised that officers must understand the appropriate channels of communication and their responsibility to protect the confidentiality of Government information and files.
Keeping the public at the centre of service
Mr. Muhindo also challenged the new officers to remember the people behind the files and documents they handle.
He reminded them that the work of the Ministry ultimately affects people outside the institution and that a delay in processing a file can translate into a delay in a service that an individual, family, institution or community is waiting to receive.
“Serving the public is an honour and privilege that you should not take for granted,” Mr. Muhindo said.
He urged the officers to approach their work with commitment and a sense of responsibility, noting that every assignment they undertake forms part of the wider public service delivery chain.
The Undersecretary encouraged them to understand that whether they are handling a contract, legal document, court matter, record or other official assignment, there is often someone waiting for the service connected to that work.
Integrity, professionalism and teamwork
Mr. Muhindo further urged the new officers to build their careers on integrity, professionalism, discipline, humility and reliability.
He reminded them that their conduct both within and outside the workplace can affect the reputation of the Ministry and the wider public service.
He particularly cautioned the officers against rumour-mongering, unnecessary workplace intrigue and discussing colleagues without facts.
Instead, he encouraged them to build respectful working relationships and to address work-related challenges through direct communication and collaboration.
He urged officers to feel free to approach colleagues when following up on files or seeking clarification, noting that simple and respectful communication can help prevent unnecessary delays and misunderstandings.
The Undersecretary also reminded the officers that they would be working alongside people with different experiences, strengths and weaknesses and encouraged them to accommodate and support one another as colleagues.
Serving with accountability
Mr. Muhindo further emphasised that public servants are accountable for how they conduct themselves and perform their responsibilities.
He noted that officers are observed by colleagues, supervisors, junior staff and members of the public and encouraged the new recruits to build professional reputations founded on integrity and dependable service.
He cautioned them against relying on personal connections or perceived influence within the institution, urging them instead to focus on their responsibilities and treat colleagues with respect.
The Undersecretary also reminded the officers that their careers may take them to different departments and locations within the Ministry.
He noted that staff deployed to regional offices have the same rights and responsibilities as those at headquarters and encouraged the new officers to remain open to deployment and transfer as part of their professional growth and exposure.
A shared commitment to the Ministry’s mandate
Mr. Muhindo described MoJCA as one family and encouraged the new officers to work together in addressing challenges and improving service delivery.
He thanked the Human Resource Unit, led by the Assistant Commissioner, for organising and successfully conducting the induction programme and acknowledged the contribution of staff who facilitated the different sessions.
He also encouraged the new officers to seek guidance and support whenever they encounter challenges in the course of their work.
The two-day induction provided the newly recruited State Attorneys and RAPEX staff with both an institutional foundation and practical understanding of the responsibilities that come with joining the Ministry.
As they take up their respective assignments, the officers begin their service with a clearer understanding of MoJCA’s mandate, systems, performance expectations and professional obligations, and with a shared responsibility to contribute to the effective delivery of justice and legal services to Government and the people of Uganda.