The fight against graft in public offices is set to be taken a notch higher, following a revelation by Ethics and Integrity Minister, Simon Lokodo, that the much awaited Leadership Code Tribunal (LCT) will begin operations in the next financial year.

According to the Leadership Code Act 2002, once the Inspectorate of Government comes to a conclusion that a public official has breached the Leadership Code, the matter is forwarded to the LCT for sanctions.

In line with the principles of natural justice, the LCT, as a matter of practice, grants the accused a hearing, before a decision on his or her fate is sealed.

While in Parliament early this year to declare her assets and liabilities to the Speaker of Parliament, the Inspector General of Government, Justice Irene Mulyagonja, said in the absence of a functional LCT, she could not crack the whip on public officials who breach the Leadership Code.