By: Anzoo Evaline and Bazio Doreen.

The Ministry of Public Service has conducted a training for Heads of Departments, Head teachers of both Primary and Secondary schools, and institutional in-charges in Adjumani District on the use of the Balanced Score Card as a new approach to staff appraisal aimed at improving service delivery.

The training brought together key supervisors responsible for managing public servants, equipping them with skills to effectively monitor and evaluate staff performance using the newly introduced system.

While making his opening remarks at the training that took place on 25^th March 2026 at the district council hall, Edema Richard emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the initiative which was launched in 2024 replaced traditional appraisal and there is a need for all staff to adopt it.

“I implore you to adopt this initiative to improve the assessment and appraisal of the performance of the staff that you supervise,” Edema said.

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 and digitize government systems.

On the other hand, Charles Matuma, the Principal Human Resources Officer, noted that the Ministry of Public Service had introduced the initiative in response to complaints from the public on the quality of service delivery offered to them.

“You are aware there are a lot of complaints in the public about the performance of public officers and therefore that’s the reason the government has come up with a number of strategies on how to improve performance. For this particular visit, we have come to sensitize you on the new appraisal tool,” Matuma said.

He added: “The Balanced Score Card is expected to not only digitize and automate human resource supervision but also make salary payment more efficient”.

On her part, Hon. Adrupio Irene Appi, the Secretary for Finance who represented the District Chairperson, called on participants to embrace the new system and apply the knowledge gained.

“Nowadays new things are coming every time. Those days we sit face to face. Discuss what you want with your supervisor. But now the government is coming to have us online where you think you can do whatever you want. So, I ask everybody in this room let us abide by what they have equipped us with,” Hon. Appi said.

The training marks a significant step in strengthening accountability and performance management in public institutions within Adjumani, with leaders expected to cascade the knowledge to their respective teams for improved service delivery.

The Balanced Score Card is in line with the National/District Development Plan IV; the District Clients Charter (2025 – 2030); Annual Work plans, schedule of duties; Performance management guidelines; and performance contracts.

END.