Lahja Nashuuta
A career in public service is for anyone who wants to make a difference, even if it means putting public interests ahead of personal interests.
Unlike many public servants who say they chose public service because they enjoy giving back to the community, Erica Dien, the Director of Administration in the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG), wants to leave a legacy and to inspire all who aspire to serve their communities through public service.
She is one of the longest serving civil servants. This week Dien is celebrating her 30-year career at the OAG. She joined the public service on 1 March 1996 as an Analyst Programmer at the IT department.
In 2021, Dien was promoted to serve as Director of Administration.
“I am incredibly proud to have initiated the first OAG network and witness its transformation from manual operations to a high-tech environment,” Dien reflected.
In her current role, Dien is part of the team responsible for auditing the accounts of public sector entities on a regular and thorough basis and making appropriate recommendations to address identified issues and concerns.
In her own words, “I was the very first IT staff member,” she recalled, noting that most processes were manual and technology was limited to a few desktops.
With support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), she quickly adapted to the core functions of the OAG, transforming manual audit procedures into digital processes,” Dien explained.
Her day-to-day job is to provide administrative support and advisory services on issues pertaining to Auxiliary Services, Human Resources Management, Finance and Information Technology to OAG employees and other stakeholders, ensuring that the rules and regulations governing administrative processes are correctly understood, implemented and complied with.
“I ensure that everything from logistics to technology is in place, equipping the audit teams with the tools they need to succeed. It’s a role that demands both vision and flexibility,” she said.
Commitment to Public Service
Dien said what drew her to a career in public service was the promise of stability, growth, and the opportunity to apply her skills for the greater good.
“The OAG position offered me a pathway with more career growth and benefits,” she shared, demonstrating her dedication to contributing to public accountability.
Dien said that over her 30-year tenure, she has witnessed remarkable changes within the OAG. From a small team of 80 working in a rented office to a thriving organisation of over 200 staff.
“I have been at the forefront of this transformation, embracing responsibilities that propelled me from a technical expert to a strategic leader.”
Throughout her career, Dien faced significant challenges, particularly in providing top-tier IT infrastructure within limited budgets.
As Director of Administration, she took on the responsibility of managing key support services and overseeing a broad team of over 60 employees across HR, finance, and maintenance. This fundamental shift required her to enhance her leadership capabilities and streamline service delivery to support OAG operations. Among her many milestones, Dien points out the establishment of an IT network that met international standards, the implementation of a Performance Management System, which earned an OAG award, and serving as a regional trainer for IT audits.
“Seeing the OAG recognised as a benchmark for public service projects was deeply fulfilling,” she said.
Lesson learned
Dien underscores the critical importance of transparency and accountability in government. “These principles are essential for effective public administration,” she emphasised.
She maintained that by ensuring transparent internal processes and fostering accountability among staff, the OAG works to curb corruption and improve service delivery across government.
Over time, the relationship between the Auditor-General’s office and the public has changed considerably.
From early misunderstandings about its role to a clear grasp of its mandate, Dien has observed how deliberate stakeholder engagement has enhanced public trust.