The Ministry of Public Service has conducted training for heads of departments, headteachers of both primary and secondary schools, and institutional in-charges in Adjumani district.
The training was on the use of the Balance Score Card (BSC) as a new approach to staff appraisal aimed at improving service delivery.
Speaking during the training, researcher Edema Richard emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating, “Members, under Cycle Standard Instruction No.9 of 2024, we have introduced what we call balance score cards. Now replacing our ordinary traditional appraisal processes when it is used to assess individual performances.
“So, therefore, the reason for calling you here is to make sure that you get the information clear on the performance of the staff that we supervise so that whatever decision the CAO’s office takes originates from your information. You’re going to be responsible for the implementation of the balance score card and the time,” he added.
Officials from the Ministry explained that the introduction of the Balance Score Card is part of broader government efforts to address concerns about performance in public service.
Charles Matuma, from the department of performance management at the Ministry noted: “Why are we here? The government has come up with a number of initiatives to improve performance. You are aware that there are a lot of complaints in the public about the performance of public officers and therefore that’s the reason the government comes up with a number of strategies on how to improve performance.
The tool was launched on July 20, 2024, Matuma said. “Across the service, we are rolling up as a department and a ministry. We are training our staff on how to roll out this tool. We want to go beyond and see whether it is impacting service delivery.”
“Has enrollment improved? Has retention of maybe pupils improved, that is what this tool is looking at – at results. So, this tool is an improvement and we want to look at the results.”
Representing the district leadership, Adrupio Irene Api called on participants to embrace the new system and apply the knowledge gained.
“It is nowadays that new things are coming every time. In those days we would sit face-to-face and discuss what we wanted with your supervisor. But now, the government is coming to have us online – where you think you can do whatever you want.”
“I ask everybody in this room to let us abide by what they have equipped us with so that when we get into our offices, we do the right thing.”
Participants and leaare expected to share the knowledge with their respective teams for improved service delivery.
