The Deputy IGG, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, has kicked off the 2026 International Ombudsman Day commemorations with a courtesy visit to Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Under the theme “Ombuds: Office of Options,” the visit makes Makerere the first public institution visited by the Inspectorate of Government during this year’s commemorations.

Mrs. Muhairwe, who is also President of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA), emphasised that the Ombuds is not an “office of critics,” but an avenue for fairness, accountability, reconciliation and peaceful resolution of grievances.

Prof. Nawangwe welcomed the engagement and commended the Inspectorate’s reconciliation-based approach to resolving disputes, noting that collaboration between the two institutions can strengthen fair and accountable service delivery.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Makerere University Museum, highlighting the institution’s rich history and evolution.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has arrested Mr. Ismael Ochengel, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Lira District Local Government (DLG), Mr. Roy Angumaniyo, Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Arua District Local Government (DLG); and Mr. Andeku Shaphan Glead Avua, a retired district planner who previously worked at Arua DLG for the alleged diversion of UGX 200,000,000 and abuse of office.

Mr. Ochengel who previously worked as CAO Arua DLG when the alleged crime was committed, was arrested from Lira while Mr. Angumaniyo and Mr. Avua were arrested from Arua.

According to the prosecution, the trio while employed as CAO, CFO and Planner of Arua DLG respectively during the FY2017/2018, allegedly diverted UGX 200,000,000 Discretionary Development Equalisation Grant (DDEG) funds meant for procuring fixed assets, for unrelated purposes from those which were intended.

The trio will be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday 21st October, 2026.

The IG remains committed to enforcement of the law against public officers who misuse public funds meant for service delivery.

A teacher, Mr. Samuel Kangavve, has been ordered by the Anti-Corruption Court to refund UGX 31,663,435 after pleading guilty to causing financial loss and impersonation.

Mr. Kangavve appeared before the Court on 11th September 2026 in Uganda v Kangavve Samuel, HCT-00-AC-CO-0107-2026 and pleaded guilty to both charges. He was convicted on his own plea of guilty.

The Court fined him UGX. 3,300,000 or two years’ imprisonment in default for causing financial loss, and UGX. 1,000,000 or one year’s imprisonment in default for personation. He was also barred from holding public office for 10 years and ordered to refund the full amount of the financial loss caused to Government.

The case followed an investigation by the Inspectorate of Government which established that Mr. Kangavve committed impersonation by using the identity and employment documents of his brother, Mutyaba Eria Paulo, who had been offered a Government teaching position but did not take it up. Mr. Kangavve took up the position under his brother’s name while also working and receiving a Government salary under his own name.

The Inspectorate of Government was represented by Mr. William Ntumwa, Principal Inspectorate Officer, Mr. Jason Arinda and Ms. Milly Namuwanga, both Inspectorate Officers.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has commended the management of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) for its dedicated efforts to promote girl-child education, urging the institution not to relent in advancing the cause.

The institution, Lady Justice Batala said, should create more opportunities to facilitate easy access to education by the girl-child.

She made the remarks while meeting a delegation from IUIU Females’ Campus Kabojja, which is organising the fifth edition of the “Run for Girl-Child Education” marathon scheduled to take place on 27th September, 2026.

Held annually, the event serves as both a fundraising and advocacy forum to mobilise resources to support girl-child education, and raising awareness about intentional investing in their future.

“I am happy about this exercise and I commend you for your efforts in promoting girl-child education. But do not give up because there is still a lot to be done. As the Inspectorate of Government (IG) we are ready to support this noble cause, “she said.

The IGG’s assurance underscores the IG’s commitment to supporting social responsibility and promoting equal opportunities, while upholding the institution’s support for initiatives that create an equitable and inclusive society.

During the engagement, the IGG handed over the Inspectorate’s contribution amounting to UGX 2 million towards the marathon and pledged staff participation.

The Deputy IGG, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, reiterated the IG’s commitment to supporting the initiative, highlighting the institution’s previous mentorship programmes and various engagements with students aimed at promoting integrity, accountability and ethical leadership.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nabukeera Madina Sebyala, Director IUIU Females’ Campus Kabojja, who led the delegation, appreciated the IG’s contribution and said it was a great gesture that will inspire future collaborations between the two institutions.

She revealed that 580 girls have benefitted from the initiative so far, including 3 graduates.

The engagement was also attended by Mr. Muhammad Mwasa, Executive Assistant to the IGG and Mr. Farouk Kayondo, Principal Public Relations Officer.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has participated in the First Resumed 17th Session of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation Review Group, held from 31 August to 4 September 2026 at the Vienna International Centre in Vienna, Austria.

The IG was represented by the Director Legal Affairs, Ms. Hilda Talibba, who was part of the Ugandan delegation comprising representatives from the Directorate for Ethics and Integrity (DEI), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), Leadership Code Tribunal (LCT), Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA), Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS), Office of the Auditor General (OAG), and the Judiciary.

The delegation was headed by the Permanent Secretary, DEI, Mr. Dunstan Balaba.

The meeting brought together States Parties to the UNCAC to assess progress in the implementation of the Convention and strengthen international efforts to prevent and combat corruption.

The technical discussions focused on the performance of the UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism, preparations for and implementation of the second phase of the review process, and progress in implementing key thematic areas of the Convention.

Participants also considered issues relating to technical assistance, financial and budgetary matters, gaps in national legal frameworks, and national, regional and international cooperation. The meeting provided an opportunity for States Parties to exchange information, good practices and experiences gained in implementing the Convention, as well as to identify areas requiring further strengthening.

As part of Uganda’s participation, the Head of Delegation, Mr. Balaba, delivered a country statement outlining Uganda’s implementation steps and efforts towards fulfilling its obligations under the UNCAC.

Uganda’s participation in the Implementation Review Group demonstrates the country’s continued engagement in international mechanisms aimed at strengthening anti-corruption systems, accountability, integrity and the rule of law.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has signed a condolence book in honour of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at the late King’s residence in Buziga, Kampala.

The IGG also met with the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, where she conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, Tooro Kingdom and the people of Tooro.

At this moment of profound grief, the Inspectorate of Government (IG) extends its heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, Tooro Kingdom, His Majesty’s subjects and the people of Uganda.

May the Almighty God grant the bereaved family, Tooro Kingdom and the entire nation strength, comfort and solace during this difficult time. May the soul of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV rest in eternal peace.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has welcomed newly recruited Inspectorate Officers to the Inspectorate of Government during an induction training at the Civil Service College, Jinja.

The five-day training, which began on 31st August 2026, is aimed at equipping the new officers with a deeper understanding of the Inspectorate's mandate, values, systems and expectations.

Welcoming the officers, the IGG congratulated them upon their appointment and reminded them that joining the Inspectorate comes with a great responsibility, given its critical role in promoting good governance, transparency, accountability, integrity and anti-corruption.

“You have not simply joined another public institution. You have joined an institution whose work directly affects the lives of citizens and the quality of public service delivery in our country,” she said.

Lady Justice Naluzze emphasised that integrity, professionalism and teamwork must define their work, saying, “the public expects us to be fair. They expect us to be professional. They expect us to act without fear or favour. Treat your colleagues with respect, share knowledge and learn from one another.”

She also urged the officers to take personal responsibility for their work by being punctual, meeting deadlines, maintaining proper records, protecting official information and following established procedures.

The IGG reminded the new officers that the Inspectorate ultimately exists to serve the people of Uganda, and that their work can have a direct impact on public service delivery and national development.

She encouraged the officers to embrace continuous learning and professional development, particularly as the nature of corruption evolves and technology creates new opportunities for both service delivery and abuse.

The IGG challenged the new officers to be agents of positive change within the institution and to continuously seek better ways of serving citizens.

Ms. Savia Mugwanya, the Commissioner Civil Service College Uganda, also an Inspectorate of Government Appointments Board Member representing the Ministry of Public Service, welcomed the IGG to the college and commended the Inspectorate for organising the induction programme.

Ms. Mugwanya urged the newly recruited officers to make full use of the knowledge and skills gained during the training and challenged them to become exemplary public officers in the execution of their duties.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) is participating in a two-day regional meeting on illicit financial flows, asset recovery and the right to development, taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 25th to 26th August 2026.

The Inspectorate is represented at the meeting by Mr. Jemba James, Principal Inspectorate Officer.

The meeting, organised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), seeks to support Governments' efforts to repatriate funds of illicit origin and ensure that recovered assets contribute to the advancement of economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development, pursuant to United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 58/7 of 4th April 2025.

The meeting brings together stakeholders to identify regional good practices, key challenges, policy recommendations and areas for further cooperation, while strengthening commitments to prevent and combat illicit financial flows and corruption. It also provides a platform for anti-corruption institutions and other stakeholders to share experiences and best practices in building institutional capacity to address illicit financial flows.

Africa's Illicit Financial Flows

The meeting comes against the backdrop of significant illicit financial outflows from Africa, estimated at approximately US$88.6 billion annually. The loss of such resources undermines development and limits Governments' ability to finance programmes that address the social and economic needs of their citizens.

Participants emphasised the urgent need to trace, recover and return assets of illicit origin derived from corruption to the countries from which they originated. The return and proper management of such assets, in line with Chapter V of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), can enable countries to invest recovered resources in development projects based on their national priorities.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

Deliberations at the meeting have highlighted the need for a strong and coordinated regional resolve to advance the right to development and strengthen cooperation within the framework of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Participants called for stronger mechanisms to close loopholes that facilitate illicit financial flows, greater transparency and constructive engagement with local and international civil society organisations. They also emphasised the need to strengthen mutual legal assistance (MLA) mechanisms to facilitate timely and effective investigation, prosecution, tracing and recovery of illicit assets.

The discussions further underscored the need for institutions to develop quick, practical and efficient solutions to the challenges associated with illicit financial flows and to strengthen the delivery of their mandates in promoting justice, accountability and human rights.

Participants also stressed that combating illicit financial flows and corruption requires joint efforts among African countries, particularly in investigation, prosecution and asset recovery. This calls for clear cooperation frameworks and constructive engagement among African countries and relevant regional and international institutions.

The meeting further recognised asset return as an important milestone in advancing economic and social development, requiring effective detection, tracing, recovery, return and management of recovered assets, supported by strong cooperation and partnerships.

The IG's participation in the meeting underscores its commitment to strengthening international and regional cooperation in the fight against corruption, illicit financial flows and the concealment of proceeds of corruption, while ensuring that recovered public resources contribute to national development and the well-being of citizens.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, is attending the Seventh Plenary Meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network), which begins today in Vienna, Austria.

Initiated under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the GlobE Network provides a dedicated platform connecting frontline anti-corruption law enforcement authorities from around the world. The Network facilitates direct, secure and informal peer-to-peer operational cooperation to support the investigation of transnational corruption and the tracing of illicit financial flows across borders.

The four-day plenary meeting, which will conclude on 28th August 2026, will provide an opportunity for the IGG to engage in critical bilateral and multilateral discussions focused on key areas of international anti-corruption cooperation.

Today, Lady Justice Naluzze has joined fellow delegates to formally sign the Agreement for the Exchange of Information between Members of the GlobE Network, marking a further step in operationalising direct and secure information exchange across the Network.

By signing the agreement, the Inspectorate of Government further demonstrates its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and enhancing its ability to access and exchange relevant information in support of cross-border investigations, asset tracing and recovery, and the fight against illicit financial flows.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has directed the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao, to immediately interdict the Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Ms. Mercy Kainobwisho, as investigations into allegations of corruption at the Bureau get underway.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has commenced investigations against Ms. Kainobwisho over allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB.

The interdiction is intended to ensure that the ongoing investigations are conducted without interference and in the public interest.

The IGG’s directive is anchored in Article 230 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, Cap. 32, which provide that:

“The Inspector General of Government may, during the course of his or her duties or as a consequence of his or her findings, make such orders and give such directions as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances.”

In a separate directive, the IGG has directed the Chairperson of the URSB Board of Directors, Rt. Hon. Butagira Francis, to interdict three senior officials of the Bureau pending completion of investigations into allegations of corruption against them.

The affected officials include Mr. Aganya Alex, Deputy Registrar General; Mr. Kwesiga Arthur, Commissioner, ICT and Innovations; and Mr. Kule Walid, Assistant Commissioner, Business Registration Services.

Rt. Hon. Butagira has been directed to promptly make appropriate interim arrangements for the discharge of the functions of the interdicted officials in accordance with the applicable laws, thereby ensuring continuity of URSB services and preventing any operational lacuna.

(Courtesy photo)