The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA), along with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), in a gesture of unity and community support, has donated an assortment of items to the Naguru Reception Centre (NRC), a child care facility.
Mike Wambi Mabonga, the Commissioner of Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Support, and Resettlement in the Directorate of Veteran Affairs, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of MoDVA, presented the items to the NRC to mark African Public Service Day on June 26, 2024.
“The choice to support the Naguru Reception Centre is a reflection of the Ministry and UPDF’s commitment to integrity and public service,” Mabonga said.
Naguru Reception Centre was established to provide residential care for abandoned, missing, abused, orphaned children with no relatives, children with mentally ill or disabled parents, and parents who are in prison.
Col. Sam Ntambirwe, the Deputy Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation, said that these efforts are aimed at fostering harmony and mutual understanding between the UPDF and the civilian community.
According to Fred Ngabirano, the Commissioner of Youth and Children at Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, the NRC caters to people with diverse needs, particularly those who are no longer children but require special care and attention.
Esther Nyamahunge, the probation and welfare officer in charge of the Naguru Reception Centre, expressed gratitude for the UPDF’s donation.
“This is a gesture of unity between civilians and the military, and the donation marks an important step in strengthening the relationship between the Ministry of Defence, UPDF, and the local community as they come together to support those in need on African Public Service Day,” Nyamahunge said.
The event was also attended by the Assistant Commissioner of Human Resource Management, Harriet Kyomugisha, and several senior officers.
June 23 is recognised as Africa Public Service Day (APSD), which reflects on the virtues of public and community service. APSD originates from the first Pan African Conference of Ministers of Public and Civil Service held in Tangier, Morocco, in 1994, where it was resolved that this day be recognized annually.
