The Commissioner of Parliament, Hon. Esther Afoyochan has committed to supporting the Inspectorate of Government (IG) to mobilize civil servants to join the fight against corruption and stop being used by supervisors and politicians to commit fraud. She informed the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe, that she had fallen victim to systemic corruption during her tenure in the local government. She vowed to advocate for local government staff to report all incidences of corruption, particularly where the ‘big fish’ use the ‘small fish’ to defraud government, and they end up being investigated and arrested.

The Commissioner made the pledge when she represented the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, to receive the IG Bi-annual Report to Parliament for the period July to December 2024.  This is in fulfilment of Article 231(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Commissioner Esther Afoyochan appreciated the IG for fulfilling the constitutional requirement timely. She added that this made it possible to have the report tabled before Parliament.

While presenting the report, the IGG, Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe, appreciated Parliament for the support to the IG. She called on Parliament to increase budgetary allocation to the institution in order to fulfil its mandate more effectively and efficiently. The IGG further highlighted the performance for the period as follows: 

(i) 1,209 investigations concluded

(ii) UGX 8.04 billion ordered for recovery

(iii) UGX 4.13 billion recovered in cash and assets

(iv) Administrative action taken against 600 errant public officials in MDAs and Local Governments

(v) 324 breaches of the Leadership Code addressed

(vi) UGX 4.84 billion recommended for compensation due to IG interventions

(vii) UGX 1.5 billion paid to individuals following IG ombudsman interventions

The Deputy IGG, Dr Patricia Achan Okiria, has called upon members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Media to strengthen their collaboration with the Inspectorate of Government (IG) to curb corruption in Uganda.

She made the call during a consultative meeting with CSOs and the Media as part of the broader consultation being conducted to inform the development of the IG five year Strategic Plan 25/26 – 29/30.

Dr. Okiria noted that the CSOs and the Media had played a critical role in the work of the IG and their contribution to the next five year Strategic Plan was essential. 

The representative of the CSOs appreciated the IG for recognizing them as a critical player in the fight against corruption in Uganda and committed to supporting the IG to build a robust framework to fight corruption through the Strategic Plan.

The IG is currently consulting various stakeholders as a process of developing the next five year Strategic Plan.

The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, Her Excellency, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, declared her Income, Assets and Liabilities to the Inspectorate of Government (IG).

This was during an engagement with the team from the IG led by the Deputy IGG, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, at the Office of the President on Tuesday.

H.E Alupo commended the IG’s innovative Online Declaration System (IG-ODS), saying that it is efficient. She urged other leaders to declare to IG as required by law.

The declaration of Incomes, Assets and Liabilities started on March 1, 2025 and shall end on March 31, 2025.

The Leadership Code Act requires Leaders and Public Officers to declare their Incomes, Assets and Liabilities to the IG.

This year 2025, only leaders specified under the second schedule of the Leadership Code Act, will submit their declarations.

A leader who breaches the Code shall be investigated by the IG and prosecuted before the Leadership Code Tribunal.

The Deputy IGG was accompanied by the Director Leadership Code, Mr. Joram Magezi, Manager Strategic Partnerships and Public Relations, Hajjat Munira Ali, Supervisor IT, Mr. Noel Munaaba and the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Amos Ngwomoya.

On March 3, 2025, the Chief Justice of Uganda, Hon. Alfonse Owiny Dollo, officially launched the Declaration of Income, Assets, and Liabilities period for leaders. The event, held at the Supreme Court’s conference hall, was conducted under the theme "Enhanced Accountability through Wealth Declaration."

Under the Leadership Code Act, leaders and public officers are required to declare their incomes, assets and liabilities to the Inspectorate of Government (IG). For 2025, only leaders specified under the Second Schedule of the Leadership Code Act are mandated to submit their declarations within the period from March 1 to March 31, 2025.

In his address, Hon. Dollo expressed concern over the rising levels of corruption in Uganda, attributing it to a decline in moral values. He pointed out that some individuals have amassed unexplained wealth at the expense of the majority, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in leadership. He also challenged Ugandans to stop glorifying corruption, noting that the fight against the vice requires both individual and collective responsibility.

"We cannot accuse the IG of failing to eliminate corruption while we remain passive. Fighting corruption is a duty for all of us. If we truly want to end it, we must rise up and say no to corruption," he said.

The Chief Justice welcomed the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe’s new initiative to investigate ownership of high-rise apartments and luxurious properties in the city, stating that public officials must be able to justify the sources of their wealth. He reiterated that declaration of income, assets and liabilities is a legal obligation that promotes honesty and trust among leaders and public officers.

On the issue of funding, Hon. Dollo called on Parliament to increase the IG’s budget to enhance its ability to educate citizens on the dangers of corruption and effectively carry out its mandate. He also pledged the Judiciary’s support in the fight against corruption.

The State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Akello Rose Lilly, commended the Inspectorate of Government (IG) for its relentless efforts in combating corruption. She emphasized that leaders must embrace the declaration process as a key safeguard against corruption.

"I urge all leaders to declare their incomes, assets and liabilities. This process builds confidence that leaders are acting with integrity. Failure to comply will have consequences, and the government remains committed to supporting the IG in its mission," she said.

In her remarks, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe, urged leaders to comply with the declaration requirement and ensure transparency. She also encouraged citizens to hold their leaders accountable by questioning the source of their wealth, especially when they acquire multi-billion properties.

"We have received intelligence reports indicating that many of the high-rise apartments in the city suburbs are owned by public servants. We are determined to investigate and ensure that these individuals can explain how they acquired these properties," she stated.

Hon. Kamya also acknowledged that syndicated corruption remains a challenge, but she expressed confidence that it can be dismantled if all stakeholders join the fight. She urged all Ugandans to actively participate in fostering a culture of accountability and integrity to safeguard the nation’s future.

The Inspectorate of Government developed the Online Declaration System (IG-ODS) in 2016 for Leaders to declare their incomes, assets and liabilities online, to the Inspectorate of Government (IG). Since then, the IG has been upgrading the existing system with new features that have made the IG-ODS easier and faster to access and use.

This guide will help leaders generate an invitation to declare, fill the declaration form and submit to the IG using the IG-ODS.

The arrest order followed a spot check at the hospital on 7th February, 2025, where the Deputy IGG found a long queue of patients who had been waiting for hours without receiving medical attention. The situation escalated when an elderly woman, who had reportedly not been served since morning, nearly stripped in protest.

When the Deputy IGG requested a physical headcount of the doctors on duty, Mr. Mwesigwa presented two individuals claiming they were doctors. However, upon verifying the day’s roster, it was discovered that the two were actually interns. All four doctors scheduled to be on duty – Dr. Osca Atwine, Dr. Bashir Luzige, Dr. Isa Ssemakula and Dr. Rukundo Prudence were absent. This blatant disregard for duty prompted Mrs. Muhairwe, to order the immediate arrest of Mr. Mwesigwa to record a statement.

Systemic issues and extortion uncovered

Accompanied by the Director of Ombudsman Affairs, Mr. Kakooza Savio Ntensibe and a team of IG investigators from Masaka Regional Office led by Mr. Agaba Samuel, the Deputy IGG uncovered a web of systemic issues at Lyantonde General Hospital. These included rampant absenteeism, extortion and connivance among staff.

Some hospital staff were found to own private laboratories near the hospital or collude with external clinics to refer patients for blood tests and other services that should ideally be provided at the hospital. This unethical practice not only exploits patients but also undermines the efficiency and credibility of the public healthcare system.

Mrs. Muhairwe directed the Masaka Regional Office to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter and ensure that all culprits are held accountable. She emphasized the need for strict sanctions to deter such misconduct in the future.

Engagement with Lyantonde District Local Government staff

Following the inspection, the Deputy IGG held a boardroom session with staff from the Lyantonde District Local Government. She took them through the mandate of the Inspectorate of Government, emphasizing its role in combating corruption, promoting accountability and ensuring good governance.

Mrs. Muhairwe cautioned the staff against engaging in corrupt practices and urged them to report incidents of corruption and maladministration to the IG. She reiterated the importance of integrity and professionalism in public service, stressing that such values are critical for the development of the nation.

During the session, staff members raised concerns about delayed salaries, lack of or delayed promotions and the need for salary increments, particularly for non-scientists. The Deputy IGG assured them that their grievances would be addressed and encouraged them to remain committed to their duties despite the challenges.

A Call for accountability and reform

The Deputy IGG’s visit to Lyantonde General Hospital and her subsequent engagements underscore the Inspectorate of Government’s commitment to rooting out corruption and improving service delivery in public institutions. Her actions send a strong message that negligence, absenteeism and unethical practices will not be tolerated.

The Inspectorate of Government has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that public resources are used effectively and that all Ugandans receive the services they deserve.

*****

In a significant breakthrough for governance and public service in Hoima District, the long-stalled approval of the District Service Commission (DSC) has finally been achieved, thanks to the intervention of the Inspectorate of Government (IG). This milestone, which promises to address critical staffing and administrative challenges in the district, was realized under the guidance of the Deputy Inspector General of Government, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe.

The newly approved members of the Hoima District Service Commission include Ms. Kato Florence (Chairperson), Mr. Balyesiima Francis, Ms. Rumbika Rehema, Mr. Kyehikira Alex and Mr. Asiimwe Samuel. Their appointment marks the end of years of bureaucratic delays and leadership wrangles that had paralyzed the recruitment process and hindered service delivery in the district.

A Turning Point: Deputy IGG’s impromptu visit

The breakthrough followed an impromptu visit by Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe to the Hoima District Local Government (DLG) headquarters on 15^th January 2025. During her visit, she addressed a range of pressing staff grievances, including delayed salaries, lack of promotions, pension arrears, nepotism and interference in recruitment processes. A key issue that emerged was the absence of a functional District Service Commission, which had stalled recruitment and created a backlog of unresolved staffing issues.

Mrs. Muhairwe’s visit highlighted the urgent need for reconciliation among the district’s leadership to resolve these challenges. She took immediate action by convening a high-level meeting at the Hoima Buffalo Hotel, bringing together key stakeholders, including Mr. Mbabazi Rogers, the Resident District Commissioner; Mr. Uthuman Mubarak Mugisha, the District Chairperson; Mr. Mugabe Yunus, the Council Speaker; and Mr. Emmanuel Ssempala, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

Reconciliation and Follow-Up

The meeting at Hoima Buffalo Hotel paved the way for a follow-up engagement at the Ministry of Local Government, attended by Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, the Hoima DLG leadership and council members. Representing the Inspectorate of Government, Mr. Kakooza Savio Ntensibe, Director of Ombudsman Affairs, played a pivotal role in facilitating discussions and ensuring progress.

A New Dawn for Hoima

The approval of the District Service Commission is a testament to the power of collaborative governance and the critical role of oversight institutions like the Inspectorate of Government. By addressing leadership wrangles and bureaucratic hurdles, the IG has not only resolved a major administrative bottleneck but also set the stage for improved transparency, accountability and good governance in Hoima District.

The new DSC members now face the task of addressing the backlog of recruitment issues and ensuring that staff grievances are resolved promptly. Their work will be crucial in restoring trust in the district’s leadership and ensuring that public services are delivered effectively to the people of Hoima.

Looking Ahead

As Hoima District moves forward, the intervention by the Inspectorate of Government serves as a reminder of the importance of strong oversight and proactive leadership in addressing governance challenges. The resolution of this long-standing issue is a victory for good governance and a step toward a more accountable and efficient public service system in Uganda.

The people of Hoima can now look forward to a brighter future, with the promise of better service delivery and a more responsive local government. The Inspectorate of Government’s role in this achievement underscores its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and good governance across the country.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Beti Kamya Turwomwe, launched the Uganda Baseline Mapping Exercise under the Eastern Africa Anti-Corruption Platform on Monday. The three-day exercise, taking place at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, is a critical step toward accelerating the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

In her opening address, Turwomwe emphasized the need for Uganda to take ownership of the fight against corruption. She noted that corruption inflicts significant harm on the economy by diverting essential resources and undermining the achievements the country has worked hard to attain. She underscored that combating corruption requires a sense of personal responsibility and sacrifice, urging stakeholders to become active "warriors" against the vice.

The IGG stressed the importance of collective effort in the anti-corruption battle, pointing out that Uganda must take a proactive stance. She remarked that international support is vital but emphasized that development partners must find Uganda actively engaged in the fight against corruption when they step in to assist.

The Baseline Mapping Exercise is part of Phase II of the Eastern Africa Anti-Corruption Platform, which was launched in May 2024 during a regional conference in Nairobi, Kenya. The platform unites ten countries in Eastern Africa that include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda, around key anti-corruption focus areas, comprising:

1.   Financial investigations and asset recovery.

2.   Whistle-blower protection and protection of other reporting persons.

3.   Public procurement and integrity systems.

4.   Private sector collective action against corruption.

The Uganda Baseline Mapping Exercise aims to gather updated information on the status of these thematic areas, identify best practices, and assess technical assistance needs to guide future anti-corruption initiatives. The exercise involves key stakeholders, including high-level officials, technical experts, Civil Society Organizations and development partners. Participants include representatives from anti-corruption authorities, asset recovery agencies, financial intelligence units, tax authorities, public procurement regulatory authorities and private sector actors.

The IGG reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to tackling corruption and called for a unified approach to protect national resources and uphold transparency and accountability. She encouraged stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of this critical initiative.

On the night of Thursday, 16th January 2025, the Inspectorate of Government (IG) team at the Kampala Regional Office carried out an impromptu spot check at Kawempe Referral Hospital. The exercise, which started at 9:30 PM and concluded at 1:30 AM, aimed to evaluate the quality of service delivery at the hospital. A specific focus of the visit was to investigate allegations that some staff members were neglecting their night duty responsibilities.

Key issues identified during the spot check

The inspection uncovered several challenges that hindered optimal service delivery at the hospital. Among the notable issues were:

1. Sitting toilets (as opposed to squatting) were designed for the facility. Some were found dysfunctional. This poses sanitation and hygiene challenges, especially for mothers.

2. Some members of staff (nurses and midwives) were accused of being rude and inconsiderate.

3. Delayed salary payments for some hospital employees.

4. A malfunctioning CT scan machine that had been out of service for several months.

5. Maternity services for private patients were deemed very expensive and thus unattractive. The private wards needed some renovations.

6. Only about 45% of the approved staffing positions are filled. Thus, the general workload was deemed to be very high.

7. Paid for services were not effectively communicated to clients as there was no clear approved price list of the same.

8. One of the lifts was dysfunctional. The general maintenance budget was considered to be very high and falling under "unfunded priority"

On a positive note,  staff for night duty were found busy working, contrary to the allegations that staff did not attend to the night duty.

Follow-up meeting with hospital management

On Friday, 17th January 2025, the IG team, led by Mr. Michael Tumukurate, convened a meeting with the hospital's management team, led by Dr. Byaruhanga Emmanuel, the Executive Director. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the findings from the spot check and agree on actionable solutions.

Several resolutions were reached during the boardroom session, with some requiring immediate implementation. These included:

1. Enhancing sanitation and overall cleanliness at the facility.

2. Training staff in customer care to improve patient satisfaction.

3. Resolving the non-payment of salaries for affected staff members.

4. Repairing the hospital’s CT scan machine to restore critical diagnostic services.

Commitment to Improvement

Dr. Byaruhanga and his team expressed gratitude to the IG team for their intervention, noting that the spot check served as a timely reminder of their duty to provide round-the-clock services to patients. “This exercise has motivated us to refocus on our mandate and address the identified gaps,” Dr. Byaruhanga remarked.

The IG team, in turn, reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and high-quality service delivery in public institutions. Mr. Tumukurate emphasized that similar unannounced inspections would be conducted in the future to monitor progress and address any emerging issues.

A Call to Action

The collaborative spirit demonstrated during the meeting underscores the importance of accountability and proactive problem-solving in public service. As Kawempe Referral Hospital embarks on implementing the agreed resolutions, stakeholders are optimistic that the facility will deliver improved healthcare services to the community.

The IG team’s initiative is a testament to its dedication to fostering transparency and ensuring that public institutions prioritize the needs of the people they serve.

The Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG), Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, has spearheaded efforts to reconcile the feuding leadership of Hoima District Local Government (DLG). During her visit, she convened a high-level meeting at Hoima Buffalo Hotel, bringing together Mr. Mbabazi Rogers, the Resident District Commissioner; Mr. Uthuman Mubarak Mugisha, the District Chairperson; Mr. Mugabe Yunus, the Council Speaker; and Mr. Emmanuel Ssempala, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

The meeting, witnessed by Bishop Joshua Lwere, the General Overseer of the National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches of Uganda, ended with a collective pledge from the leaders to collaborate for the district’s progress.

Addressing Challenges in Hoima DLG

Mrs. Muhairwe’s intervention followed her impromptu visit to Hoima DLG headquarters, where she discovered staff absenteeism. She cautioned the CAO and instructed absent staff to provide written explanations to the IG Hoima Regional Inspectorate Officer.

In a subsequent meeting with district staff, she addressed grievances such as delayed salaries, lack of promotions, pension arrears, nepotism and recruitment interference. The absence of a District Service Commission, which has stalled the recruitment process, emerged as a key issue stemming from leadership wrangles and bureaucracy.

The Deputy IGG urged district officials to prioritize patriotism and shift their focus from monetary gain to serving the public effectively.

Spot check at Kigorobya Health Centre IV

Mrs. Muhairwe conducted a surprise night-time inspection of Kigorobya Health Centre IV. She was pleased to find medical staff on duty and praised the facility's external sanitation while advising improvements inside the wards. She lauded the Bank of Uganda for its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative in constructing a theatre complex for the health centre.

Anti-Corruption Advocacy in Kikuube

Mrs. Muhairwe concluded her tour with an address to farmers in Kikuube District during the launch of the Kikuube Mentorship Farmers Cooperative Society. The initiative, spearheaded by the First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, showcased agricultural and fisheries projects supported by her mentorship program. Bishop Joshua Lwere graced the event as Chief Guest. In her speech, the Deputy IGG urged farmers to reject corruption, citing the biblical warning, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).

Strengthening Governance and Integrity

Mrs. Muhairwe’s visit to Hoima and Kikuube highlighted her dedication to resolving governance challenges, promoting integrity and fostering unity among local leaders and communities. Her hands-on approach served as a rallying call for renewed commitment to accountability and public service.