The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has appealed to Members of Parliament (MPs) to become champions in the fight against corruption and maladministration by encouraging citizens to report corrupt practices within their communities.

The call was made by the Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG), Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, during the Inspectorate's engagement with Parliament's Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

The DIGG observed that the country's anti-corruption efforts continue to be hindered by deeply entrenched societal norms, beliefs, and attitudes that discourage citizens from speaking out against corruption and maladministration. She emphasised that reversing this trend requires a deliberate shift in public mindset, noting that MPs are uniquely positioned to drive this transformation because of their close relationship with the people they represent.

"It is a very big challenge because some people now glorify the corrupt while others are discouraged from reporting corruption. However, you can help us change this mind-set because you have a great deal of influence," she said.

When asked about Minister Balaam Barugahara's recent interdiction of local government officials, the Deputy IGG welcomed the Minister's anti-corruption efforts as timely, especially amid rising impunity in local government. She acknowledged that sometimes such actions are unavoidable when culprits are caught in the act. However, she urged caution, noting that impromptu actions can expose the Government to costly civil litigation. She stressed that strengthening institutional systems is more sustainable in the long run.

On whether Ministers have the power to interdict, she explained that Ministers like the Inspectorate of Government (IG) do not directly interdict; rather, they work through responsible officers such as Permanent Secretaries and Chief Administrative Officers, who carry out the formal process in accordance with the Public Service Standing Orders.

When asked why the IGG does not act in the same manner, she stated that the Inspectorate is the custodian of the rule of law and must uphold the principles of natural justice, including the right to be heard and the presumption of innocence.

"The Inspectorate of Government cannot subvert the very law it is mandated to enforce. Our investigations must be thorough, evidence based, and procedurally sound. Any departure from the principles of natural justice would not only undermine public confidence but also expose our actions to successful civil litigation," she said.

On the IG's strategic priorities for the upcoming financial year, Mrs. Muhairwe outlined the following key initiatives:

·         Institutionalising intelligence-led and prosecution-driven investigations

·         Deploying AI-powered leadership code verification systems

·         Scaling up asset tracing and recovery mechanisms

·         Mainstreaming Transparency, Accountability, and Anti-Corruption (TAAC) across Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Local Governments (MDALGs)

·         Enhancing enforcement and compliance monitoring of IG recommendations among others.

The Secretary to the IG, Mrs. Rose Kafeero, informed MPs that the Inspectorate had embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation programme aimed at digitising and automating its systems and business processes, in line with the Government of Uganda's broader digital transformation agenda. She noted that the initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen service delivery, and improve the institution's capacity to prevent and combat corruption.

The DIGG reaffirmed the Inspectorate's unwavering commitment to working closely with Parliament, government institutions, accountability agencies, civil society, the private sector, and the public to strengthen integrity, promote accountable governance, and intensify the fight against corruption and maladministration.

She was accompanied by directors and Assistant directors of the IG.

Parliament has implemented the Inspector General of Government, Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala’s directive to interdict Mr. Chris Obore, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, together with six other senior officials who are facing corruption-related charges before the Anti-Corruption Court.

The other officials affected are; Mr. Adilo Daniel, Director of Human Resource; Mr. Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer; Mr. Okwi Emmanuel Emuron, Principal Protocol Officer; Mr. Otebata Vincent, Capacity Development Officer; Mr. Okema Leonard, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker; and Ms. Itute Stella, Office Supervisor in the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Six of the officials are currently on remand at Luzira Prison after they were arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on 1 July 2026. They are charged with embezzlement, money laundering and causing financial loss, contrary to Sections 18(a)(i) and (ii), and 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap. 116, respectively.

Ms. Itute Stella, who was jointly charged by the Inspectorate of Government alongside the other officials, remains at large.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Court has fixed 9 September 2026 as the date for its consolidated ruling on the remanded officials' bail applications.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, today conducted an inspection of the Busega–Mpigi Expressway project as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability in the implementation of major public infrastructure.

The visit was intended, among other objectives, to gather evidence to support an ongoing investigation into alleged embezzlement of funds allocated for the construction of the 23-kilometre Busega–Mpigi Expressway and its 20 kilometres of access roads, underscoring the Inspectorate’s commitment to safeguarding public resources and ensuring value for money in government projects.

"We came to establish what exists on the ground, including the basis for the redesign of the project. The findings from this inspection will provide critical evidence to support our ongoing investigations. We are also keen to understand the factors that led to the project's cost escalating from UGX 600 billion to UGX 1.3 trillion, so that we can determine whether the increase was justified and in the public interest," she said.

Lady Justice Naluzze observed that the inspection had unveiled new areas of inquiry that are expected to substantially strengthen the ongoing investigation.

The IGG, accompanied by technical officers from the Ministry of Works and Transport, noted that emerging details from the inspection provide an opportunity to widen the scope of the probe, enabling investigators to delve deeper into the underlying issues and establish the full circumstances surrounding the matter.

Beyond advancing the ongoing investigation, the IGG’s inspection strengthens efforts to uncover the bottlenecks that have stalled the multibillion road project and demonstrates the Inspectorate of Government’s resolve to ensure that any officials who allegedly compromised the project’s designs for personal gain are held accountable in accordance with the law.

The IGG was accompanied by Ms. Annet Twine, Director Project, Risk Monitoring and Control, Ms. Hilda Talibba, Director Legal Affairs, Hajjat Munira Ali, Assistant Director Public Relations, among other staff.

Recently, the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) enforced a directive issued by the IGG on 1st July, 2026, suspending two engineers, Mr. Kiyaga Edwin Raymond and Mr. Ahimbisibwe Dickens, over allegations of embezzlement of funds earmarked for the construction of the 23-kilometre Busega-Mpigi Expressway and its 20kilometre access roads.

IGG conducts onsite inspection as investigations into alleged Busega–Mpigi Expressway fund embezzlement deepen

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) on 17th July, 2026, convened its Annual General Staff Meeting under the theme, "Refining Our Methods; Renewing Our Resolve to Fight Corruption."

The meeting provided an opportunity for staff to reflect on the institution's strategic direction and align their work methods with its prosecution-led investigations approach.

It also served as a platform to reaffirm the Inspectorate's shared commitment to delivering impactful, results-driven anti-corruption efforts.

Staff were challenged to embrace innovation, remain purpose-driven, and continually seek better ways of fulfilling the Inspectorate's mandate in an evolving corruption landscape.

As such, staff are expected to remain resolute, vigilant, and equal to the task by harnessing technology and innovative investigative tools to effectively detect, investigate, and combat this vice.

The advice was both timely and pertinent, particularly in light of the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by corrupt individuals to misappropriate public resources.

Addressing the gathering, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, underscored the central role of ethics in building and sustaining strong institutions.

She noted that integrity is the foundation of public confidence, warning that without ethical values, institutions risk losing the trust of the people they serve.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Justice Lawrence Gidudu, Head of the Jinja Circuit, called on the Inspectorate's leadership to adopt and implement innovative anti-corruption strategies capable of countering the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by corrupt individuals.

As part of its continued transformation, the IG is rolling out a digital strategy designed to strengthen investigations and enhance the efficiency of handling high-profile corruption cases, reinforcing its commitment to a smarter, more effective fight against corruption.

As the new financial year begins, the IG looks ahead with renewed resolve to strengthen anti-corruption strategies that prioritize prosecution-led investigations, ensuring that those who engage in corruption are held accountable for their actions.

These efforts will also intensify the recovery of stolen public funds, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding national resources and upholding integrity in public service.

“When a citizen walks into a government office tomorrow morning, what experience will they have? Will they find a public service that listens, responds and delivers? Or will they encounter delays, indifference and systems that make the government seem distant from their daily struggles?”

These thought-provoking questions were asked by the Inspector General of Government, Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, as Uganda commemorated the African Anti-Corruption Day (AACD) 2026.

The questions challenged public officials to reflect on their individual roles in strengthening service delivery, and also offered them time to undertake an honest self-assessment of their contribution to building a transparent, accountable, and efficient public service that consistently meets the expectations of citizens.

The AACD 2026 was commemorated under the theme, “No Sleep; No Corruption: A call for heightened vigilance, Diligence, and Commitment to Public Service”.

This theme, Lady Justice Naluzze said, is more than a slogan but a reminder to all Public Officers that corruption thrives where oversight is weak, where accountability is ignored and where leaders become complacent.

As such, Accounting Officers and institutional leaders must remain vigilant every single day, fostering a culture of integrity and ensuring that the systems under their stewardship are resilient enough to prevent corruption before it takes root.

“It means asking difficult questions when figures do not add up, visiting projects to verify progress, strengthening internal controls, following up audit recommendations and ensuring that every public shilling delivers value to citizens,” Lady Justice Naluzze said.

She reaffirmed the IG’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its constitutional mandate by championing good governance, enforcing accountability, and relentlessly combating corruption in the pursuit of a transparent and ethical public service.

However, she noted that the IG’s greatest achievements will not be measured by the number of investigations or prosecutions undertaken but by the number of institutions that strengthen their systems, prevent corruption before it occurs and consistently deliver quality services to the public.

Held both physically and virtually, the commemoration targeted Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), City and Town Clerks, Members of the Anti-Corruption Agencies, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

In his keynote address, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, stressed the importance of resolute adherence to the law by all Accounting Officers.

He urged them to let legal and regulatory frameworks guide every decision and action, noting that strict compliance is essential to minimizing errors, promoting accountability, and upholding public trust in the execution of their duties.

“Accounting Officers in Local Governments are the strategic frontline commanders for service delivery in the country. They must stick to the law and anybody who does contrary to the law will be held accountable,” he warned.

Hon. Akello Rose Lilly, the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, called for a whole-of-government approach in the elimination of corruption, adding that religious leaders, CSOs, education and cultural institutions are all brought on board.

“Let us be vigilant in monitoring service delivery by ensuring that the District Integrity Promotion Forums are operational and functional. I also appeal to RDCs, DISOs, and LCV chairpersons to step up supervision of the government programmes in their respective districts,” she said.

Deputy IGG, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, said the commemoration focused on CAOs, City and Town Clerks because they are the faces of government in the communities they serve.

“When you [CAOs and City/Town Clerks] act with integrity, citizens believe in the state. When you falter, their trust crumbles. Yours is not merely a job; it is a sacred trust. You hold the keys to service delivery, and with that privilege comes an extra ordinary responsibility to shape a culture of integrity from the ground up,” she said.

The commemoration was also attended by Deputy IGG, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, alongside Directors and staff of the IG, whose presence underscored the institution's collective commitment to the occasion and elimination of corruption.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has fulfilled her pledge by donating 10 orthopedic mattresses to the Maternity Ward at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, following an impromptu inspection of the facility earlier this year.

On 11^th February 2026, the IGG led a team from the Inspectorate of Government on a monitoring visit to the Greater Masaka Region. During the tour, the team conducted a spot check at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital as part of the Inspectorate's mandate to assess public service delivery and respond to concerns raised by the public regarding conditions at the facility.

During the inspection, the IGG observed the challenges facing the hospital's maternity ward, particularly the shortage of orthopedic mattresses needed to provide adequate care and comfort to expectant and new mothers. Moved by the situation, she pledged to donate 10 orthopedic mattresses to support maternal healthcare services at the hospital.

The orthopedic mattresses were today officially handed over to the hospital by the Inspectorate of Government's Masaka Regional Head, Mr. Samuel Agaba, on behalf of the IGG.

Receiving the donation, the hospital's Deputy Director, Dr. Mary Nyantaro expressed gratitude to Lady Justice Naluzze for the timely and generous gesture. She explained that although the hospital's newly constructed maternity ward has a capacity of 400 beds, the hospital currently has only about 50 beds, with 30 orthopedic mattresses, a situation that continues to strain service delivery.

She further noted that the hospital handles between 30 and 60 deliveries every day, making the shortage of beds and mattresses a significant challenge in providing quality maternal healthcare. She described the donation as a welcome relief and appealed to other institutions and well-wishers to emulate the Inspectorate of Government by supporting the hospital with additional orthopedic mattresses and other essential medical equipment.

While the Inspectorate's core mandate is to combat corruption, abuse of office, maladministration and the misuse of public resources, it also seeks to identify service delivery gaps and encourage practical interventions that improve the quality of services received by citizens.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) and the Leadership Code Tribunal (LCT) have reaffirmed their commitment to tightening the noose around non-compliant public servants following a significant boost in the 2026 declaration exercise.

During a quarterly joint meeting today at the IG Headquarters, the two anti-corruption entities reviewed institutional milestones, case management statistics and enforcement strategies aimed at elevating integrity within the public service.

Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, revealed that the April 2026 Public Officers declaration exercise achieved an 80% compliance rate, a marked improvement from the previous 2021 declaration cycle. Dr. Achan Okiria attributed this milestone to the IG’s rigorous public sensitization, upgrades to the electronic declaration system and the active deterrent presence of the Tribunal.

Presenting LCT’s status report, the Chairperson Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo-Segawa highlighted substantial progress in resolving asset-declaration breaches and clearing case backlogs.

Between January and June 2026, the Tribunal cracked the whip on corrupt officials, imposing sanctions in 27 matters arising from a failure to declare assets. The disciplinary actions implemented to serve as strong deterrents included:

a)     Monetary fines ranging from UGX 600,000 to UGX 2,000,000.

b)     Official orders for the payment of costs.

c)     Demotions and the withholding of emoluments where appropriate.

Both institutions concluded the engagement with a unified stance on zero tolerance to corruption. 

The Anti-Corruption Court on 2^nd July, 2026, remanded seven senior Parliament of Uganda staff to Luzira Prison until 7^th July, 2026, following their appearance before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe.

The officials are facing charges brought against them by the Inspectorate of Government (IG), including embezzlement, causing loss to the Government and money laundering.

They include: Mr. Chris Obore, Director Communications, Mr. Adilo Daniel, Director Human Resource, Mr. Okema Leonard, Executive Secretary, Office of Speaker, and Mr. Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer.

Others are: Mr. Okwi Emmanuel Emuron, Principal Protocol Officer, Mr. Otebata Vincent, Capacity Development Officer, and Mr. Murebe Methods, Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Parliamentary Cooperative Savings & Credit Society Ltd (SACCO). 

Money laundering offence is only handled by High Court. Therefore, the Magistrate only read the charges to the Parliament officials and remanded them. They will take plea before the High Court because it’s the only Court that can grant them bail.

The IG reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting accountability in the public sector. 

Through decisive action against the misuse of public resources, the Inspectorate continues to strengthen integrity in public service and reinforce the principle that no individual is above the law.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has officially flagged off the Anti-Corruption Caravan to the Bunyoro Sub-Region, calling upon citizens to take a more active role in promoting accountability and reporting corruption.

The flag-off ceremony was held this morning at the offices of ActionAid International Uganda in Kansanga.

Speaking at the event, the IGG commended ActionAid International Uganda and its partners for fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in the fight against corruption and promoting good governance.

"Today's event is more than the launch of a Caravan. It is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to protecting public resources, strengthening accountability systems, and ensuring that development reaches the people for whom it is intended," she said.

The IGG noted that corruption continues to undermine Uganda's social and economic transformation by diverting resources intended for public services and development. She emphasised that every shilling lost to corruption translates into missed opportunities for citizens through unbuilt schools, inadequate healthcare services, poor infrastructure and diminished livelihood opportunities.

She stressed that the fight against corruption cannot be left to enforcement agencies alone and called for increased citizen participation in promoting transparency and accountability.

"The Inspectorate of Government recognises that while investigation and prosecution remain important, lasting success can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in demanding accountability and integrity from public officials and institutions," she said.

The Anti-Corruption Caravan is intended to create direct engagement between accountability institutions and citizens through community dialogues, public awareness campaigns, media engagements, barazas and joint monitoring activities. The initiative aims to raise awareness about corruption prevention, strengthen public oversight and encourage citizens to report corruption and maladministration.

The Caravan will traverse the districts of Kiryandongo, Masindi, Buliisa, Kagadi, Kikuube, Hoima District, and Hoima City.

Addressing the people of Bunyoro and Uganda at large, Lady Justice Naluzze underscored the critical role citizens play in combating corruption.

"You are the first line of defence against corruption. Your vigilance, courage, and willingness to report wrongdoing are indispensable in building a society founded on integrity, justice and accountability," she said.

The IGG also acknowledged the important role played by the media in promoting transparency and public awareness, describing it as a vital bridge between institutions and citizens. She urged media practitioners to continue supporting anti-corruption efforts by amplifying messages and outcomes from the Caravan.

Action Aid International Country Director, Mr. Samuel Ntale challenged leaders and institutions to turn anti-corruption commitments into tangible results.

“Citizens are watching. We expect action, not rhetoric; prosecution, not protection,” he said.

The Anti-Corruption Caravan is a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening citizen engagement and enhancing public oversight of service delivery, thereby contributing to improved governance and sustainable development in Uganda.

Cabinet Ministers should strengthen their oversight role to ensure accountability and the effective implementation of government programmes and institutions. However, they must deliberately avoid involvement in day-to-day operational processes to prevent conflicts of interest that could create opportunities for corruption.

This advice came from the Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG), Mrs. Anne Muhairwe.

The DIGG made these remarks while delivering a presentation to newly appointed Cabinet Ministers during their induction retreat.

The presentation focused on "The Mandate of the Inspectorate of Government and the Role of the Executive in the Fight Against Corruption." The retreat is currently underway at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, where discussions are centered on strengthening governance, accountability, and public service delivery.

Drawing the ministers' attention to the "Eyes-on, Hands-off" principle, Mrs. Muhairwe urged them to exercise oversight while upholding the integrity of established legal and administrative processes.

She cautioned that any erosion of these safeguards could undermine years of institutional progress and create opportunities for corrupt officials to exploit systemic weaknesses, thereby jeopardising the gains the government has achieved over time.

"The law assigns the responsibility of recruitment processes, procurement award decisions, and other day-to-day administrative functions to accounting officers. Where a Minister identifies wrongdoing, the appropriate action is to refer the matter to the competent authority rather than assume functions assigned to others," she said.

Mrs. Muhairwe underscored the importance of balancing robust oversight with strict adherence to institutional processes, stressing that the two are complementary pillars of good governance.

She warned that treating them as separate or competing functions undermines anti-corruption efforts, as corruption largely flourishes where systems, controls, and accountability mechanisms have weakened or collapsed.

"Strong oversight and respect for institutional processes must go hand in hand. A minister who remains independent retains the moral authority necessary to supervise others and demand accountability," she said.

She further explained that the success of government programmes rests heavily on strong and proactive political leadership. Ministers must regularly step beyond their offices and carry out site visits to ensure that citizens are benefitting from the programmes.

"Political leadership becomes more meaningful when it translates into visible improvements in the lives of people. Ministers must ask questions. They must challenge poor performance. They must insist on results," Mrs. Muhairwe said.

In essence, effective oversight serves as a spotlight, illuminating gaps and weaknesses in the implementation of government programmes. By bringing these shortcomings to the fore, it holds public officials accountable for their stewardship and inspires them to move beyond mere compliance, becoming active champions in the fight against corruption and guardians of public trust.

She reminded ministers that Ugandans judge their government not by promises, but by the tangible results they see in their daily lives. Hence, there is a need to strengthen oversight of public service delivery through regular monitoring and evaluation.

Her message was a compelling call to duty, urging the ministers to look beyond the privileges of office and reflect deeply on the responsibility they bear toward the nation.

She challenged them to place the interests of citizens above personal ambitions, reminding them that public leadership is not about self-service, but about making meaningful contributions to the country's progress and the well-being of its people.

In an environment where every decision is subject to public scrutiny, the ministers will find in Mrs. Muhairwe's counsel a guiding light—one that can help them navigate the demands of leadership with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

She was accompanied by IG Directors Mrs. Annet Twine, Director Project Risk Monitoring and Control, Mr. Gerald Gwaira, Director Research, Education and Advocacy and Mr. Kakooza Savio Ntensibe, Director Ombudsman Affairs.