Public Service Ministry seeks Shs308 bn for one stop-centre services

What the report says

Uganda’s Ministry of Public Service has asked Parliament for Shs308 billion to fill a funding gap for priority projects, including the rollout of 19 Service Uganda Centres. The request was presented on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, by Permanent Secretary Catherine Bitarakwate before the Committee on Public Service and Local Government, according to Watchdog Uganda.

The ministry says the centres would be set up in existing Posta Uganda buildings and are intended to bring several government services under one roof. The services mentioned include passport processing, driving permits, tax-related assessments, payroll updates and pension verification. Bitarakwate told MPs the model is meant to reduce duplication among ministries, departments and agencies and make services easier to access outside Kampala.

Watchdog Uganda reports that the ministry argues the consolidation could save government money by replacing multiple regional offices run separately by different agencies. Bitarakwate also pointed to the planned expansion of Civil Service College Uganda, saying it would improve training capacity for civil servants and generate savings and additional non-tax revenue. MPs raised questions about the ministry’s role in leading the one-stop-centre model and about the effects of government rationalisation, including staff affected by mergers.

The discussion reflects broader efforts in Uganda to streamline public service delivery and reduce administrative overlap, though the ministry still needs Parliament’s approval before the projects can proceed as planned.