The retreat sought to review government policies, build stronger relationships among participants, and train them on the intricacies of government processes. This initiative was a crucial step for the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which has been in power for two months and is eager to gain momentum. The retreat was also aimed at addressing public criticism that the UDC government was merely implementing ousted Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) policies. To counter this narrative, the programme included a dedicated session on developing a shared understanding of the UDC manifesto and its relevance to the government’s agenda. Additionally, the participants were sensitised on accelerating proposed key legislative and policy reforms, emphasising the new administration's commitment to meaningful change. In his opening address, President Duma Boko stressed the gravity of public service. He reminded attendees that they had chosen to stand for election and that citizens now look up to them for leadership. “This is the time to confront entrenched thoughts and actions. We must rise above the confines of context and redefine our approach,” the President declared.
He encouraged the participants to critically evaluate inherited institutions and avoid treating them as immutable or sacrosanct. He further urged the attendees to adopt a rights-based approach when addressing national issues. He argued that this perspective would guide necessary constitutional reforms, ensuring that it evolves to address emerging human rights concerns. Boko also emphasised the need for teamwork, saying: “We need one another; we cannot operate in isolation.” He encouraged participants to use the retreat as an opportunity to understand their roles, powers and limitations. “The reason we see so many administrative cases in court is that some officials exceed their boundaries,” the President noted.
