2025 SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS: CELEBRATING UGANDA’S BEST IN PUBLIC SERVICE
In a powerful affirmation of government responsiveness and reform, the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) presented the 2025 Service Excellence Awards during the CSO Post-Budget Dialogue held on June 18th at Hotel Africana. The awards celebrated outstanding performance, innovation, transparency, and citizen-centered service delivery across Uganda’s public institutions and local governments.
Isingiro District Takes Top Local Government Honors
The highlight of the awards was Isingiro District Local Government, which emerged as the Best Local Government under the category “Outstanding Service Delivery at Local Government Level.” Isingiro topped the 2023 Local Government Management of Service Delivery assessment by the Office of the Prime Minister, with an impressive overall score of 93%, up from 89% in 2022. The district excelled in areas such as education (90%), health (94%), and crosscutting service delivery despite prevailing challenges in public finance management and infrastructure.
Located in western Uganda, Isingiro is known for its agricultural economy and refugee settlements. The district’s rise to the top of 176 local government votes including 135 districts, 10 cities, and 31 municipalities is a testament to strong local leadership and citizen-driven governance.
Office of the Auditor General Applauded for Innovation
Under the “Outstanding Innovations for Citizen Participation” category, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) received accolades for promoting participatory auditing. Key innovations such as the Citizens’ Feedback Platform and Audit Recommendation Tracker have revolutionized how citizens engage with audit processes.
Launched in 2023, the Citizens’ Feedback Platform enables real-time citizen reporting on service delivery and accountability. In 2024 alone, over 700 citizens were onboarded onto the platform, amplifying civic voices in public resource management. CSBAG hailed OAG as a “last front-line soldier” for its fearless exposure of corruption and mismanagement.
PPDA Recognized for Procurement Transparency
The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) was honored for enhancing citizen engagement in public procurement. The award acknowledged PPDA’s Contract Monitoring System (CMS), a digital tool launched in 2022 that empowers citizens and CSOs to monitor government projects.
To date, over 560 citizens have used the CMS to track procurements and report anomalies, demonstrating a shift toward inclusive and accountable public contracting. PPDA’s blacklisting of errant contractors and push for local content were also praised as critical reforms.
Ministry of Finance Sets the Pace in Budget Transparency
The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) was recognized for its tireless efforts in promoting participatory budgeting and transparency. From the Citizens Budget Guide to the budget transparency portal (https://budget.finance.go.ug).
Notably, Uganda was ranked 1st in Africa and 2nd in East Africa in the 2024 Open Budget Index, signaling MoFPED’s leadership in fiscal openness. Recent efforts to produce braille versions of the Citizens Guide were particularly commended for enhancing inclusivity.
UDLS Sets Benchmark in Public Service Delivery
The Uganda Driver Licensing System (UDLS) took home the Excellence in Public Service award for its exceptional efficiency, transparency, and customer service. Since the Ministry of Works and Transport assumed control from South Africa-based Face Technologies in 2020, UDLS has drastically improved the issuance of driving permits.
Today, most applicants spend less than 30 minutes completing the entire process—a milestone in public sector efficiency. UDLS was praised for its dignified service to the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, and for restoring public trust in government systems.
A Moment for Reflection and Renewed Commitment
In his closing remarks, CSBAG Executive Director Julius Mukunda stated:
“These awards are more than plaques and citations, they are a call to action. A call for integrity, for reform, for innovation. They show that change is not only possible; it is happening.”
As Uganda continues to grapple with service delivery and governance challenges, the 2025 Service Excellence Awards serve as a timely reminder that transformative leadership, public participation, and accountability are the cornerstones of sustainable development.
