Entebbe 14 June 2024; The Assistant Secretary-General for Operational Support in the Department of Operational Support, Ms Lisa Buttenheim was in Entebbe for a 3-day visit to the UN Campus.

While in Entebbe, she met with all Service Delivery Managers at RSCE and their Service Line Managers. The aim of the meetings was to better understand the Centre’s operations through an up-to-date progress report and also to discuss any challenges faced that can be resolved.

She was also briefed on the status of mission downsizing and liquidations of MINUSMA, UNITAMS and MONUSCO’s drawdown. They discussed challenges, successes, and key learnings from the different missions with a view to creating a common handbook to guide future processes. ASG Buttenheim thanked the staff for the tremendous efforts and dedication shown in handling in particular the MINUSMA abrupt drawdown and eventual closure. RSCE is the operational branch of the Department, hence the support provided to clients fit into DOS’ strategy for improved service delivery.

ASG Buttenheim also met with the MONUSCO Entebbe head of premises, Mr. Yury Cherep to get an understanding of the mission’s operations in Entebbe. Mr. Cherep took the ASG on a tour of the premises and they visited the Transport, Engineering and Medical sections. She stressed the importance of working as one for the one UN approach so dear to the Secretary General.

She was led on a tour of the RSCE service lines where she met all staff in the units and was given a more detailed insight into how the individual units operate. She conveyed her gratitude to the teams and also delivered a message of thanks from the USG DOS, Mr. Atul Khare.

During her visit, she took the chance to meet with the Uganda State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Okello Oryem and other ministry officials in Kampala. The minister expressed his happiness to host the UN in Uganda and especially Entebbe which has a large number of UN staff. The meeting also discussed matters of regional concern that the minister believes the UN in Uganda can continue to support the Government in resolving.

ASG Buttenheim reassured the minister on the UN’s commitment to peace in the region and to cooperation with the host government. She expressed her gratitude to the minister for hosting the UN Campus in Entebbe that serves as a key hub in the support of peace in Africa.

Her visit concluded with a townhall for all staff on the UN Entebbe Campus where she reassured them that the RSCE is a critical part of DOS and is a Centre of Excellence evidenced by the commendable work they do and she applauded the Director on his efforts to attract more business for the RSCE.

“The linkages with your clients is one of the things you have become a centre of excellence for over this decade and Paulin has done a fantastic job and I want to give him a huge shout out because he is a great partner for us. He never turns away opportunities for you and for RSCE to take part in our other activities.” She said

The Director RSCE, Mr. Paulin Djomo also took the floor and presented the state of RSCE where he amplified the ASG’s reassurances and spoke to the efforts he is taking to attract more business while retaining staff for the RSCE.