The first International Ombud Expo took place in Abuja, Nigeria from 28th – 31st October, 2019. It was held on the theme, Extending the Ombud Frontiers: Better Governance, Enhanced Performance.

The Expo brought together over 500 national and specialty ombud and grievance handling offices from over 100 countries around the world.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) was represented by the Director of Ombudsman Affairs, Mr. David Makumbi and three officers.

Mr. Makumbi presented a paper entitled “When the Ombudsman Fights Corruption – The Inspectorate of Government Perspective” on behalf of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Ms. Irene Mulyagonja.

He highlighted the IG’s unique mandate as both an Ombudsman and Anti-Corruption office. He mentioned the challenges that come with this broad mandate and the remedies being put in place.

The Expo was a first-time gathering of all ombud-types, complaint handlers, grievance offices and similar institutions in one location to showcase critical performance factors. The IG was recognised as an Outstanding Exhibitor during the Expo.

There were also one-on-one interactions and expert discussions where ombud leaders from different parts of the world shared experiences and gave unparalleled insight into how ombud institutions execute their roles and make a difference in governments and organisations across the globe.

Benchmarking visits were made to the head offices of the Nigerian Public Complaints Commission (PCCFC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

The former Accountant of Ministry of Local Government. Mr. John Marie Iga. was on Monday, 21st October, 2019, arrested and arraigned in court on charges of Embezzlement and Causing Financial Loss of UGX 102.9 million.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Pamela Lamunu Ochaya, Mr John Marie Iga took a plea of not guilty for the charges. He was ordered to pay cash bail of Ushs 10m and deposit his passport with court. His sureties were ordered to sign a non-cash bond of Ushs 80m each.

Details in the press statement below:

The officials from Mitooma District who were arrested by the Inspectorate of Government on 7th October 2019, were arraigned at the Anti-Corruption Court on 8th October 2019 for plea taking before Grade One Magistrate Albert Asiimwe.

One of the accused persons, Onesmus Agaaba pleaded guilty for paying a bribe of UGX2,020,000 to Amon Byamugisha, which money he sent to his mobile phone.

His Worship Albert Asiimwe sentenced him to pay a court fine of UGX4,800,000 or serve 2 years in prison. His worship also noted that while Agaaba was a first time offender and had not wasted courts time, it was still illegal to bribe to get into public service, as the act deprived other qualified persons of the job opportunity. He was banned from public service for 10 years. He was also asked to pay another UGX4,800,000 back to government which was the total of his earnings during the period, less the advance of UGX2,020,000 which he advanced to Amon Byamugisha for the job.

The other accused persons were remanded until 11th October, 2019.

Senior Inspectorate Officer Daisy Acio represented the IG on the matter, which was investigated by Mbarara Regional Office.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) received a complaint in which it was alleged that Mitooma District Service Commission (DSC) advertised several jobs in February 2018, which were marred with irregularities.

Following investigations, some District Officials were arrested by the Inspectorate of Government on 7th October 2019. These were: Amon Byamugisha, Senior Human Resource Officer, Saverinus Beyendeza, Community Development Officer, Onesmus Agaba, Human Resource Officer, and Sarah Kiconco, Community Development Officer.

The Inspectorate of Government has arrested Mr. Mugasha Cliff Kabunga, an IT Assistant at Arua Refugee Desk Office of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

He is charged with 4 counts of Money Laundering, Embezzlement and False Accounting.

Details in the Press Statement below:

The Inspectorate of Government has arrested Mr William Kayongo Ssebuliba, a Municipal Education Officer of Makindye Ssaabagabo Municipal Council in Wakiso District for bribery. Details in the Press Statement below:

The new Danish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Nicolaj A. Hejberg Petersen, has paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Ms Irene Mulyagonja.

The meeting took place at the Inspectorate of Government (IG) Head Office on Plot 14, Parliament Avenue on Thursday morning.

The IGG welcomed Ambassador Petersen to Uganda and expressed her appreciation towards the Danish Government and indeed the Danish people for their unwavering support in the fight against corruption and maladministration in Uganda. Denmark through its DANIDA arm has provided both financial and technical assistance towards the IG’s activities for many years.

The Danish Ambassador said he gained some anti-corruption experience when worked with Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for many years. He expressed his zeal to further develop and strengthen Denmark’s support in the fight against corruption and maladministration in Uganda.

H.E Ambassador Nicolaj A. Hejberg Petersen replaces his predecessor Ambassador Majbrit Holm Jakobsen. He is an experienced diplomat with a background in international cooperation, bilateral, multilateral affairs and security policy. Prior to his posting to Uganda, he served as the Danish Ambassador to Afghanistan.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy IGG, Mr. George Bamugemereire, the Secretary to IG, Mrs. Rose N. Kafeero and other senior IG officials.

Robert Baluku, a Senior Assistant Secretary Kichwamba Sub County, Kasese District changes his plea to guilty, in a bribery case against him and other public officials from Kasese District. Mr. Baluku was convicted on his own plea of guilty and sentenced.

Details in the Press Statement below:

The Inspectorate of Government arrested officials of Lyantonde District on Monday, 9th September, 2019 and they took plea in the Anti-Corruption Court the following day.

Details in the press statement below:

Sarah Atugonza Babirye, an office attendant in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions pleaded guilty for soliciting and receiving gratification.

Details in the press statement below: