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.

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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.

A joint operation conducted by the Inspectorate of Government (IG), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the Ministry of Energy has led to the confiscation of illegal fuel and cement at Wattindo Stage, Wattuba Village, Nangabo Sub County, Wakiso District.

The operation, led by Mr. Stephen Kasirye, IG Manager for Information and Internal Inspection on Friday, resulted in the seizure of 19 jerricans of petrol and diesel as well as 19 sacks of cement. The confiscated items were sent for quality testing to determine their compliance with national standards.

Speaking about the operation, Mr. Kasirye revealed that the crackdown was initiated following a tip-off from vigilant whistleblowers in the neighbourhood. He expressed concern over the dangers posed by such illegal activities, particularly the sale of substandard cement, which he cited as a contributing factor to the increasing cases of collapsing buildings in the country.

“This cement compromises the structural integrity of buildings, endangering lives and property. It is critical that we tackle such illegal activities to protect public safety and ensure adherence to quality standards,” Mr. Kasirye emphasized.

Although no arrests were made during the operation, eyewitnesses reported that the culprits engage in siphoning fuel from fuel tankers and collecting excess cement from cement trucks brought to a nearby washing bay. The materials are then sold to customers during the night and in the early morning hours to avoid detection.

The Inspectorate of Government calls on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. “We appreciate the cooperation of whistleblowers who help us uncover such operations. Together, we can combat these illegal practices and promote safety and quality in our communities,” Mr. Kasirye added.

The IG, UNBS and the Ministry of Energy reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on illegal activities that undermine public safety, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and collaboration with local communities.

This operation highlights the importance of joint efforts between government agencies and the public in addressing the challenges posed by illegal trade and ensuring compliance with national standards.

The launch was made during the commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) 2024 at Speke Resort Convention Centre Munyonyo.

In his speech which was read by Rt. Hon. Nabbanja, the President emphasised the fact that the government is committed to ending corruption in Uganda.

He noted that the unwavering commitment to combat corruption dates back to the liberation struggle during the Bush War, where he and his comrades in the struggle then, articulated the need  for accountability and integrity under the ten-Point Programme of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

“Point number seven (7) of the programme emphasised the elimination of corruption and the misuse of power, recognising these as critical barriers to national development and good governance,” the President noted.

To reinforce the fight, he explained that the NRM government has made remarkable strides in strengthening the legal and institutional anti-corruption framework, key international and regional conventions have been ratified hence demonstrating Uganda’s commitment to combating the vice at all levels.

Uganda commemorated this year’s IACD under the theme, “Promoting Effective Participation of the Youth in the War against Corruption”

The theme emphasised the critical role of young people in the fight against corruption, and the importance of availing platforms for their participation to enable them confidently speak aginst the evils of corruption, and pursue a corrupt-free society.

The President noted that the engagement of the youth in the fight against corruption was a timely intervention since they constitute the largest percentage of Uganda’s population.

He committed to supporting all the interventions by Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) in the fight against corruption.

In her remarks, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe, as part of the collaborative approach in the fight against corruption initiated by ACAs, the youth will be prioritised.

The IGG said that ACAs will continue to mobilise the population of Uganda, with special focus on the youth, to be watchdogs over their own resources, through education and advocacy, and that most important will be the call for mind-set change.

“We will to assure Ugandans that with this new approach of synergising all the ACAs, plus a well-equipped and well-organised population, we are positive that we are facing the right direction. All we need is government support through adequate funding.

The Auditor General Mr. Edward Akol, presented a joint statement on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Agencies.

IACD serves as a global reminder of the impact of corruption on society and the importance of united efforts to eliminate it.

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Uganda will join the rest of the world to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 under the theme: “Promoting effective participation of the youth in the war against Corruption.”

The Inspectorate of Government, in collaboration with other Anti-Corruption Agencies, will host the national commemoration on Tuesday, 10^th December 2024, at Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo.

The Chief Guest will be His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni.

The commemoration serves as a global reminder of the impact of the vice on society and the importance of united efforts to eliminate it.

The theme emphasizes the critical role of young people in the fight against corruption, and the importance of availing platforms for their participation to enable them speak against its evils.

This was revealed by the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe, during the commemoration of the Ombuds Day 2024, which was held on November 6 2024 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala.

A sectoral Ombudsman is an independent body that helps to promote accountability and transparency in specific public offices.

They can address complaints, provide referrals, improve internal responses, generate trust and prevent future cases among others.

The IGG is the national Ombudsman of Uganda and handles all Ombudsman-related complaints under Article 225 (1) (a) of the Constitution.

Hon. Kamya argued that once sectoral ombuds are created and established within public institutions to handle complaints, it will ease the IG’s work. However, consultations will first be made among the relevant stakeholders before implementation.

The IGG noted that if public officers and citizens adhere to the rule of law, there would be efficient delivery of public services in Uganda, adding that public officers hold public offices in trust of the people.

“Public officers must respect the public and must serve them diligently and without delay. The Inspectorate of Government is raising awareness to the entire population of Uganda to demand for quality services as a constitutional right. We call upon the public to say no to poor quality service and report to the IGG when they have not been treated properly,” the IGG said.

Sectoral Ombuds bodies act as a control mechanism, limiting administrative access and ensuring fairness in power exercise. They serve as a check against abuse, accessible, without fear, favour, or cost to all citizens.

The Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, who delivered a keynote address on The effectiveness of the sectoral Ombuds in bridging the gap between citizens and public services, emphasized the importance of having sectoral ombudsmen in the public offices.

“Accessible Ombudsmen can prevent dissatisfaction with state conduct, provide legitimate grievance resolution process and enhance public sector governance by fostering trust, accountability, addressing service delivery gaps and supporting innovation,” Advocate Kholeka said.

She had been invited to share her experience as a Public Protector and show how the Republic of South Africa has successfully implemented the sectoral ombuds.

Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, said that the Ombudsman function, if executed with Integrity, is one tool that can eliminate corruption.

“When the Sectoral Ombuds is introduced, it will inculcate a culture of values that respect the citizens that we serve. IGG should extend this function to dismantling corruption and maladministration by ensuring that public officers stick to the rule of law while executing their duties,” she said.

The first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs who was also the Chief Guest, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, commended the Inspectorate of Government for initiating the establishment of sectoral ombuds in public offices.

She noted that most people suffer injustice due to lack of systems in public offices.

“Some countries have established sectoral ombuds in almost every sector and it is working quite well. It is good that we are also now copying that good example which will ultimately be good for our country,” she said

Examples of Ombudsman complaints include among others nonpayment of benefits such as salary, pension and gratuity, employment disputes such as irregular recruitment, interdiction, unfair termination or victimization, abuse of authority, mismanagement and delay in service delivery.

However, the IGG doesn’t handle a complaint which has already been decided by a Court or a tribunal established by law, a case which is before a court by the time the complaint is filed, and a complaint of private nature for instance a loan recovery.