The Inspectorate of Government (IG) and the Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U), have renewed their partnership in the fight against corruption, a step that will further strengthen the former’s commitment in its pursuit for an accountable and transparent public sector.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, commended NMG-U for its coverage of the IG activities and noted that the renewed partnership will boost the anti-corruption fight.

“We truly thank you for your partnership. The fourth estate plays a key role in shaping national development and you are exactly doing that,” she said.

The renewed partnership is therefore a big breakthrough that will amplify the IG’s anti-corruption efforts in terms of visibility, and create public awareness about the role of citizens in the fight against corruption.

It further gives credibility to the IG’s anti-corruption mandate which continues to restore accountability and transparency in the public sector, and compel the corrupt to refund stolen public funds.

The Deputy IGG, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, also commended NMG-U for being an anti-corruption crusader through its platforms.

However, she urged the team to focus on impactful and solutions-based journalism and avoid distorting information so as to remain a reliable media house that does balanced reportage.

Mr. Allan Checkwech, NMG-U’s Acting General Manager Editorial, noted that they have many products which the IG can use to popularize its mandate.

“We need to have a structure on how to implement this partnership in terms of commitments from both sides, finances involved and the timeframe in which the campaigns can run.

This partnership also breathes renewed legitimacy into the IG’s anti-corruption campaign, a mission that is steadily reclaiming integrity within the public sphere, and reinforcing a culture of accountability and transparency, while compelling those who have stolen resources to return what never belonged to them.

Mrs. Susan Nsibirwa, Managing Director, Monitor Publications Limited, asked IG to identify its strategic areas which can be popularized across the media platforms.

Hajjat Munira, IG’s Manager Strategic Partnerships and Public Relations, said that the IG will work on the structure of the partnership to ensure that work starts as agreed by both parties.

The meeting was also attended by the Secretary to the IG, Mrs. Rose Kafeero, DREA, Mr. Gerald Gwaira, Mr. Farouk Kayondo, Supervisor Strategic Partnerships and Public Relations, and Mr. Godfrey Mulengi Buheye, NMG-U’s General Manager – Commercial.

Security is the foundation upon which a nation’s progress stands because it nurtures trust, enhances investor confidence in the economy, and stabilises markets.

Yet, when this pillar is broken by unethical practices, even the government’s strongest achievements rapidly collapse.

So inside the National Defence College of Uganda’s quiet Central Lecture Hall, Jinja, Deputy Inspector General of Government, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, brought the matter home.

She passionately elaborated how a compromised security can be a national threat, and made an honest appeal to senior army officers to steer clear of any unethical practices that could compromise the integrity of the country’s security, urging them to remain ethical.

While addressing the officers on the topic “The undermining of Security, Stability and Prosperity by Unethical practices” Mrs. Muhairwe argued that though unethical practices may at first glance appear to be a governance challenge, they become strategic national security threat, if all they are not professionally addressed.

Speaking in a matter-of-fact tone, Mrs. Muhairwe noted that despite Uganda’s progress made against traditional risks, a stealthy and escalating threat is emerging within our society– the widespread normalisation of unethical practices.

“If not decisively addressed, this threat has the capacity to roll back the substantial gains we have achieved in security, stability and national development or slow down the government’s stated ambition to grow the economy tenfold in the next decade,” she said.

Unethical practices are actions that violate accepted moral standards, professional rules or legal norms for the purpose of personal or group advantage.

She said that Institutions like the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are essential in cultivating the strategic mindset required by leaders responsible for safeguarding the nation and region from all emerging threats.

Security leaders, she emphasised, must recognise corruption and unethical practices not as administrative faults, but as a strategic security risk, adding that corruption within the defence sector is particularly dangerous.

“The military is entrusted with protecting the state itself. When corruption affects defence institutions, the consequences can be severe with the most common risks being among others inflated procurement contracts, ghost soldiers on payrolls, diversion of military supplies, and misuse of defence budgets,” she said.

For the senior army officers entrusted with the solemn responsibility of safeguarding citizens and shielding the nation from bad elements, Mrs. Muhairwe's meticulous advice on upholding ethical conduct serves as a timely and invaluable guide. Her insights offer crucial lessons, not just in defence, but also in nation-building.

Citing global examples where unethical practices have broken down institutions, she reminded the officers that the legitimacy of the state depends heavily on public trust – the social contract between the led and the leaders.

“But when citizens believe that: public funds are routinely stolen; justice can be bought; opportunities are reserved for the connected, then confidence in the state begins to decline. Once trust erodes, citizens may begin to ignore the law, resist authority and withdraw cooperation with state institutions”.

Unethical practices, she explained, are not merely moral failings—they are quiet architects of national insecurity. They break the foundation of a nation by eroding public trust, leaving citizens doubtful of the systems meant to protect and serve them.

As confidence fades, she argued, so does the legitimacy of the state, creating a fragile bond between the governed and those in power.

She crowned her presentation with practical lessons dubbed a whole-of-society approach which said can make a very big difference if applied.

These include; formulating and galvanizing the national psyche and consensus around national interests and values, introducing values-based education within the education system, and strengthening professional ethics.

Others are; enhancing accountability, leveraging technology to reduce human discretion and increase traceability, strengthening civic responsibility, and ensuring ideological orientation.

As she left the podium, silence hung over the hall, signalling a moment of reflection for the men and women in uniform to renew their commitment to upholding ethical practices that can build a strong national security.

Brig. Richard Tukacungurwa, chairman of the General Court Martial said: “As strategic leaders of UPDF, the Deputy IGG’s presentation has been a wakeup call and indeed there is a lot to learn from it. We pledge to promote ethical practices for better service delivery”.

Deputy IGG was accompanied by DREA Mr. Gerald Gwaira and DREA Manager, Mrs. Christine Lamwaka.

The Minister for Public Service, Hon. Muruli Mukasa on 1st April, 2026, launched the declaration of income, assets and liabilities for Public Officers, with a reminder to public officers that the exercise was a legal requirement and not an administrative burden.

The Minister noted that the one-month declaration exercise was a deliberate step towards reinforcing integrity, a reminder that public officers ought to be accountable because they hold offices in trust of the public.

“When you declare your income, assets and liabilities you demonstrate honesty and accountability. It shows that you are a person of integrity and can confidently account for what you have without fear,” he said.

He assured the IG of the government’s full support in the enforcement of the Leadership Code Act across the public sector, a revelation that emboldens the IG’s commitment to ensure a transparent and accountable public service which prioritises public interest in service delivery.

The Minister also launched The User Guide which aims to make the Leadership Code Act more user friendly in terms of giving clarity on the obligations of both Leaders and public.

The Leadership Code Act requires specified public officers to declare their incomes, assets and liabilities to the Inspector General of Government every five years.

Public Officers are persons working in a Ministry, Department, Agency (MDA) or Local Government (LG) whose salary is paid by the Government of Uganda.

Through the enforcement of the Leadership Code Act, the IG is nurturing a culture where accountability is not optional but expected.

The Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Rose Lily Akello, commended the IG for its commitment to ensuring that ethical standards among Public Officers are upheld through declaration.

“This is a very important period and all Public Officers should take this exercise seriously. We want Public Officers to be accountable and that’s why we want them to declare. Those who fail to declare will be prosecuted by the Leadership Code Tribunal because the law is very clear. I encourage all Public Officers to comply,” she said.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG) Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, said that the declaration exercise is not merely a statutory requirement but a cornerstone of good governance.

The declaration, Lady Justice Naluzze emphasised, serves as a constant reminder that transparency and accountability are not optional virtues in public service, but fundamental obligations which, when upheld, become the driving force behind efficient, timely and citizen-centered service delivery.

“Today’s launch reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the Inspectorate of Government to enforce ethical standards across the public service. Public office is a trust, and those entrusted with it must never prioritise personal interests at the expense of the citizens they serve,” she said.

The IGG added,  “When Public Officers are aware that their financial status is subject to scrutiny, they are more likely to act with integrity, make decisions in the public interest and avoid practices such as bribery and undue delays that undermine service delivery.”

She allayed fears of the Public Officers on the declaration process, saying that the IG has taken deliberate steps to make sure that the process is efficient and accessible.

The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Mrs. Lucy Nakyobe said that public service is anchored on the three pillars of integrity, accountability and service.

She emphasised the need to build a public service that is transparent and accountable.

The Deputy IGG, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria noted that another way to enforce transparency and accountability is the integration of the Leadership Code as a key criterion in recruitment, interviewing and promotion processes across the public service.

“Such a measure will not only strengthen ethical leadership but also reinforce public trust in our institutions,” she said.

She made the remarks while making a presentation on the salient features of the Leadership Code Act and the Inspectorate of Government Online Declaration System (IG-ODS).

The launch was also attended by the Deputy IGG, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, and Secretary to the IG, Mrs. Rose Kafeero, IG staff, Members of the Leadership Code Tribunal, and other stakeholders.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) and Office of the Auditor General (OAG) have been awarded the African Organisation of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E) and the Eastern Africa Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA) Impactful Collaboration Award.

The award was presented at the Anti-Corruption Conference 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, in recognition of the two institutions’ effective collaboration that has set a new benchmark for excellence in governance.

It was noted that the partnership transformed how Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) work together, moving beyond routine compliance to innovation and impactful engagement. The collaboration framework developed in Uganda has since influenced regional thinking and contributed to shaping the SAI–ACA collaboration model across Eastern Africa.

The model has become a reference point and source of inspiration for other countries seeking to strengthen accountability systems and combat corruption.

The collaboration also informed a joint study conducted between 2023 and 2024 by AFROSAI-E and EAAACA across six East African countries, aimed at identifying how partnerships between oversight institutions can be effectively designed, implemented and sustained to enhance accountability and the fight against corruption.

The Chief Government Valuer, Mr. Gilbert Kermundu, has revealed that valuation of 17 properties which the Inspectorate of Government (IG) recovered from corrupt public officials, will be completed within one month.

Mr. Kermundu made the revelation during the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala’s second site visit to another property in Bukoto formerly owned by Mr. Geoffrey Kazinda, a former principal accountant in the Office of the Prime Minister.

His assurance on the timeliness of valuation adds a layer of confidence to the IG’s relentless pursuit to reclaim public funds, and enhances the Institution’s commitment to trace and identify proceeds of corruption.

“I can assure you that we have a formidable team at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development who are highly skilled in valuation.  We have a client charter that stipulates how much time we ought to take to complete an assignment and I can assure you that this activity shouldn’t take us more than one month,” he said.

Mr. Kazinda was convicted of the offence of illicit enrichment in 2020. He was found to be maintaining a standard of living beyond his means. He was also found to be having wealth worth over UGX4B which was not commensurate with his source of income.

As a result of the conviction, the court ordered Kazinda’s property to be taken over by the Government.

The Bukoto property is one of the 17 properties which the IG is currently valuing for purposes of disposal.

The British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney, paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, at the Inspectorate of Government (IG) Head Office on 13th March, 2026. She was accompanied by Mr. Steven Bickers, Second Secretary-Political and Ms. Joyce Ngaiza, Governance Advisor.

The IGG and her guest exchanged views on areas of mutual interest and collaboration between the Inspectorate of Government and the British High Commission Kampala.

The IG team, which included the Deputy Inspectors General of Government, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe and Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, the Director Special Investigations, Mr. Polly Muhairwe, the Director Legal Affairs, Ms. Hilda Talibba, and the Manager Strategy, Policy and Planning, Mr. Joseph Pinycwa, among others, shared the strategic priorities of the Inspectorate of Government under the new Strategic Plan for the period 2025/2026–2029/2030.

The engagement also explored potential areas for technical and financial support to facilitate the effective implementation of these strategic focus areas.

H.E. Chesney further toured the IG Digital Forensics Laboratory, which was established with support from the British High Commission through the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Strengthening Uganda's Anti-Corruption Response, Technical Advisory Facility (SUGAR-TAF). The laboratory has significantly enhanced the Inspectorate's capacity to handle complex digital investigations.

Through this support, IG staff also received specialized training, prosecution capacity was strengthened through the development of a prosecution manual and training of prosecutors, and journalists were trained to better understand corruption cases in court. The programme further supported the review of the IG Communication Strategy and facilitated the coordination of a communication officers’ forum among partner agencies. In addition, the Directorate of Special Investigations received two double-cabin pickup vehicles to enhance field investigations.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) on 17th February, 2026 launched its new Strategic Plan (FY 2025/2026-2029/2030), Client Charter, and Human Resource Policy and Procedures Manual, a remarkable step that reinforces the institution’s commitment towards the fight against corruption.

The Deputy Head of Public Service, Mrs. Jane Kyarisiima Mwesiga, who presided over the launch on behalf of the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Mrs. Lucy Nakyobe, commended the IG for its innovative approach in restoring public trust in the institution by offering an evidence-based comprehensive anti-corruption strategies as indicated in the three documents.

She implored the IGG, Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala and staff to use these critical documents as a tool that will guide them in assessing the performance of the institution.

“These are very critical instruments offering a good direction in the fight against corruption and if properly implemented, they will cause a lot of impact. They really show your renewed commitment to eliminate corruption and this is what the public wants to see. We will continue supporting your efforts to ensure a corrupt-free Uganda,” Mrs. Mwesiga said.

In her remarks, the IGG noted that the three instruments form the core operational framework of the IG.

“The Strategic Plan provides our visionary roadmap for a corruption-free Uganda; the Client Charter publicly commits the Inspectorate of Government to the highest standards of service and accountability; and the Human Resource Manual institutionalizes a culture of integrity, fairness and professionalism within our ranks” Lady Justice Naluzze said.

These instruments, Lady Justice Naluzze emphasised, signify the IG’s renewed resolve to transform the institution into a more responsive, efficient and results-driven anti-corruption body.

She noted that the Strategic Plan was designed to make a significant contribution to addressing corruption and is fully aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the Tenfold Growth Strategy, the Fourth National Development Plan, and the NRM Manifesto 2026–2031.

“This plan is not merely a policy document; it is a bold declaration of intent and a firm institutional commitment to act with courage, independence and precision in the fight against corruption and maladministration, “she said.

The new Strategic Plan is anchored on six objectives which include fostering active participation in the fight against corruption and maladministration at all levels of governance, strengthening mechanisms for prevention and detection of corruption in the public sector, and enhancing mechanisms for investigation and prosecution.

Others include enhancing enforcement of the Leadership Code of Conduct, enhancing compliance to laws, rules, systems and regulations, and strengthening institutional and organisational capacity to deliver its mandate.

The Secretary to the IG, Mrs. Rose Kafeero, explained that the development of the three instruments was undertaken through a comprehensive, consultative and physical approach to ensure inclusiveness, ownership and alignment with institutional priorities, national development goals, regional and international agenda for combating corruption.

The launch was also attended by the Deputy Inspectors General of Government, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria and Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, and the IG Directors and Managers and Supervisors, Development Partners, and partners from the Civil Society among others.

The Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies who attended the launch include the Auditor General, Mr. Edward Akol, Director Public Prosecutions, Mr. Lino Anguzu, Head of State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, and Head of the Anti-Corruption  Division of the High Court, Justice Michael Elubu.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has ordered the arrest of Ms. Nankya Margaret, Principal Human Resource Officer (PHRO), and Ms. Kasingirwa Scovia, Senior Human Resource Officer (SHRO) of Kalungu District Local Government (DLG), over alleged non-payment of salaries to district staff. The action follows a complaint received by the Inspectorate of Government regarding prolonged non-payment of salaries to several staff members of Kalungu DLG, including some Heads of Department. Reports indicate that certain officers had not received their salaries since July 2025. The matter attracted significant concern due to its prolonged nature and the hardship and distress caused to the affected public officials. Earlier, the Deputy Inspector General of Government, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, convened boardroom sessions and issued guidance aimed at resolving the issue. Additionally, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kalungu DLG, Mr. Ouma Charles, issued repeated directives, including a formal internal memo, instructing the PHRO to process and clear all outstanding salaries and arrears. Despite these interventions, the directives were reportedly disregarded. When summoned by the IGG, the PHRO failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the continued non-payment of staff salaries. In light of the persistent default, the resulting public concern, and the apparent insubordination and possible abuse of office, the IGG has referred the matter and the implicated officers to the IG Director of Ombudsman Affairs, Mr. Kakooza Savio Ntensibe, for further appropriate action. Investigations are ongoing, with a view to possible prosecution 

The process of onboarding the Inspectorate of Government (IG) onto the Government Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS), commonly known as the e-Docs System, has commenced as part of ongoing Government efforts to strengthen records management and support digital transformation across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The onboarding exercise commenced on 4th February 2026 with a site readiness assessment conducted by a technical support team constituted by the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. The team is engaging closely with the IG to ensure a smooth and effective implementation of the system.

During the onboarding process, the technical team will provide comprehensive support, including streamlining the existing manual records management system, configuring the e-Docs platform, setting up records structures, conducting user orientation and supporting change management throughout the implementation period.

Upon completion, the e-Docs System is expected to enhance workflow automation, improve the processing and tracking of official correspondence, reduce reliance on manual records handling, and ensure compliance with national records management standards and best practices.

The initiative reflects Government’s continued commitment to strengthening efficiency, accountability and good governance through the adoption of modern digital systems.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has reaffirmed the strong and long-standing partnership between the Inspectorate of Government (IG) and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) in promoting transparency and safeguarding public resources.

Lady Justice Naluzze made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the Executive Director of PPDA, Canon Benson Turamye, at the IG Headquarters. She commended the effective collaboration between the two institutions, particularly through case referrals and joint handling of procurement-related matters over the years.

“We look forward to continued collaboration and engagement in the execution of our respective mandates,” the IGG said.

Canon Turamye congratulated Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala on her appointment as Inspector General of Government, as well as the Deputy Inspectors General of Government, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe and Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, on their reappointment. He reaffirmed PPDA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the IG and other accountability institutions to enhance public trust and ensure value for money in public procurement.

“PPDA greatly values its partnership with the Inspectorate of Government. We remain firmly committed to deepening this collaboration to safeguard public resources, strengthen public trust, and ensure that procurement delivers tangible value to citizens,” Canon Turamye noted.

The two institutions agreed to further strengthen their partnership through continued case referrals, joint public awareness and sensitization campaigns, and enhanced coordination in promoting accountability and transparency in public procurement processes.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Government, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe; the Director of Special Investigations, Mr. Polly Muhairwe; the Director of Ombudsman Affairs, Mr. Kakooza Savio Ntensibe; the Director of Anti-Corruption, Mr. Lugoloobi Robert; and the Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Public Relations, Hajjat Munira Ali, among others.

The PPDA delegation included the Director of Performance Monitoring (Central Government), Dr. Aloysius M. Byaruhanga; the Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Eva Nazziwa Lubowa; the Director of Legal and Board Affairs, Mr. Uthman Segawa; the Director of Strategy, Mr. Mike Nsereko; and the Manager, Executive Director’s Office, Mrs. Rebecca Masajjage, among others.