Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama has praised Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja for what she described as a transformative, people-centred leadership style during her tenure at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Speaking at the closing session of the National Performance Review Conference held at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, Nakadama commended Nabbanja’s five-year leadership record, saying her accessibility and direct engagement with citizens marked a shift from earlier administrative approaches.
She noted that Nabbanja had distinguished herself by taking government services closer to the people, contrasting this with a past practice where prime ministers were largely confined to office spaces and less visible in communities.
“Our communities had never seen a Prime Minister going to the people as frequently as you have done,” Nakadama said, drawing applause from delegates.
“Previously, many only saw Prime Ministers in offices that were not easily accessible. But your office has become one where every Ugandan feels they can present their issues.”
Nakadama credited Nabbanja with promoting openness and approachability within government, arguing that this had helped strengthen public trust and encouraged citizen participation in governance processes.
She further described Nabbanja’s leadership as inclusive and grounded, adding that her visibility across different regions had made her one of the most recognizable and relatable figures in public service.
“Wherever you go, people say they want you,” she said, highlighting what she described as growing grassroots popularity.
Nakadama also underscored Nabbanja’s historical significance as Uganda’s first female Prime Minister, saying her tenure had both symbolic and practical impact on how leadership is perceived and exercised.
Nabbanja was appointed Prime Minister in 2021, becoming the first woman to hold the office in Uganda’s history.
At the time, President Museveni described the Cabinet as one of fishermen and this job description appears to have been tailored for Nabbanja, who has been known to "loosen up" and get on the ground to strike the chords with the people.
She has since served a five-year term, surviving a mid-term cabinet reshuffle that affected several senior government positions.
The Office of the Prime Minister has previously been led by figures including Amama Mbabazi, Ruhakana Rugunda, and Apollo Nsibambi, among others, each of whom oversaw different phases of Uganda’s administrative and political evolution.
