Unethical Behaviors as a Challenge to Service Provision: The Case of Uganda’s Public Health System

Abstract

The public service ethics discussions have dominated government administrations for several years. Concurring with Kernaghan’s view that 1970s and 1980s were ‘ethics era’, historical patterns have so proven it. The focus on public service ethics in the 1970s and 1980s was due to the increase in exposure and allegations of unethical behaviors involving public officials and politicians. In many developing countries, the issues of unethical behaviors shot high in the 1970s and early 1980s due to the social, political and economic instability. However, signs of unethical and failing public service are reoccurring.

Journals and other credited publications are streaming with data on ethical issues in the public service. The huge amount of credible secondary data provides a basis for an intensive analysis in particular country cases. Examining the public service and related unethical behaviors provides an overview of how urgent it is required to improve public service provision through solid interventions in the public service. In accordance with the consequentialist moral theory, individuals have reasons to do in terms of whatever actions brings about the best overall consequences in the situation that they face, and therefore, public servants are responsible for their consequences.

Public servants should be accountable for their behavior owing to the fact that they occupy public office to serve the public rather than personal interests. In an effort to curb and eradicate opportunities for unethical practices in Uganda’s public health service, reforms and measure aimed at good governance and ethical infrastructure should be put in place. Though, without good plan and support, challenges in implementation, monitoring and sustaining reforms may render them less effectiveness.

To develop an ethical public service that can promote and ensure better service provision, a strong political will and dedicated leadership to fighting unethical behaviors is crucial. With this support and commitment from political leadership, an ethical environment for an ethically oriented public service can be created. Through good governance with democracy, transparency and accountability are nurtured, of which are a prerequisite for achieving responsiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness in service provision.