In a policy shift set to benefit hundreds of graduates, the Ministry of Public Service has officially recognized key psychology degree programmes from Makerere University as eligible qualifications for recruitment into Uganda’s public service.
This confirmation follows sustained engagement between the Ministry and the School of Psychology under Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), which raised concerns over the exclusion of these programmes in a draft of the 2025 Graduate Recruitment guidelines.
In a letter dated July,15, 2025, the Ministry responded positively to the request, stating that graduates holding degrees in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Community Psychology, and the newly accredited Bachelor of Applied Psychology are now recognized as qualified for various government roles.
“These qualifications are relevant to a number of jobs in the Public Service including Human Resource, Community Service, Community Development, Management Services, and others,” read the Ministry’s letter signed by Stephen Opio Kiror on behalf of the Permanent Secretary.
Academic Advocacy Pays Off
The development comes after Dr. Martin Baluku, Dean of the School of Psychology, formally petitioned the Ministry in April 2025, arguing that the programmes had been unfairly omitted from the Public Service Commission’s draft job advertisement.
His letter provided a detailed breakdown of the competencies covered by the degrees and how they aligned with specific positions listed in the draft.
“Graduates from the Bachelor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology programme have been trained in strategic HR management, recruitment, employee relations, occupational safety, and organizational development. They qualify for jobs such as Research Officer and Human Resource Officer,” Dr. Baluku wrote.
Similarly, he pointed out that the Bachelor of Community Psychology equips graduates with strong foundations in community mental health, clinical practice, youth development, social change, and programme management—making them suitable for roles like Community Service Officer, among others.
The Bachelor of Applied Psychology, a new interdisciplinary programme that merges the strengths of both previous degrees, was also cleared for recruitment. Accredited by the National Council for Science and Technology, the programme prepares graduates with diverse skill sets adaptable to areas such as human resources, mental health, community development, and organizational change.
“Graduates from this programme possess a diverse range of skills. They can perform in various roles depending on their subfield of specialization,” Baluku emphasized.
A Boost for Mental Health and Organizational Science
Makerere University has welcomed the Ministry’s decision as a win for academic integrity and evidence-based policy.
“This isn’t just a validation of our programmes,” said a university source familiar with the developments. “It’s an acknowledgment of the vital role psychology plays in solving real-world challenges — from mental health to institutional development.”
The updated recruitment guidelines are expected to be reflected in the final version of the 2025 Public Service Commission advertisement, following leaks of the draft that initially excluded these qualifications.
For students and alumni of psychology programmes across Uganda, the Ministry’s move opens long-awaited doors and affirms the role of behavioral science in national transformation.
As government institutions continue to seek talent for human-centered services, the inclusion of psychology graduates signals a broader recognition of the importance of mental health, community engagement, and organizational effectiveness in public sector development.
