SESSION 6
DISCUSSION PAPER 3

THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERS IN THE
PUBLIC SERVICE IN PROMOTING PROFESSIONALISM
AND IMPLEMENTING THE CHARTER FOR PUBLIC
SERVICE IN AFRICA

A Paper Presented During The
Capacity
Building
Workshop
on
“Promoting
Professionalism in the Public Service; Strengthening the
Role of Human Resource Managers in the Public Sector for effective implementation of the Charter for Public
Service in Africa”, In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 14 - 18th
March 2011

Adah. K. Muwanga (Mrs.)
Director Human Resource Management
Ministry of Public Service
P.O. Box 7003,
Kampala - Uganda
(i)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In the paper on the role of Human Resource Managers in the Public
Service in promoting professionalism and implementation of the
Charter for Public Service, it is noted that although the Charter was adopted a decade ago, its implementation has been slow and uneven in the various African Countries.
The paper reviews the Charter for Public Service with special focus on the underlying principles, the Code of Conduct for public servants, and the obligations of the Public Service as an employer. Note is taken to the fact that:
(a)

The Charter aims to enhance the image of the Public Service by upholding professionalism and ethical values in Public
Service delivery.

(b)

The Charter is a broad framework, so the implementation strategies may be customized to suit the peculiarities of a given Country.

(c)

Sound Human Resource Management policies, systems and procedures are the bedrock for effective implementation of the Charter.

(d)

In view of (c) above, Human Resource Managers must take the centre stage in ensuring the effective implementation of the Charter.

(ii)

The paper recognises the need to build capacity of Human Resource
Managers to attain professionalism in the design and