The Inspectorate of Government in Uganda has made significant strides in its fight against corruption, recovering over Shs41 billion ($11 million USD). This recovery is part of the Inspectorate's efforts to combat corruption, abuse of office, and poor service delivery across government institutions. The Inspectorate also recommended the payment of Shs2.35 billion ($640,000 USD) to individuals who were denied their rightful employment benefits during the 2025/2026 financial year.
According to Deputy Inspector General of Government Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, the public continues to report a range of complaints. These complaints include delayed salaries, pensions, and gratuities, as well as irregular recruitment, malicious interdictions, and victimization of whistleblowers. The Inspectorate also handles complaints about delays in accessing important government services, such as national identity cards, land titles, passports, and access to the government payroll.
The Inspectorate is set to take its complaints directly to communities during the second week of October. All 16 of its regional offices will hold Ombuds clinics to receive and, where possible, resolve citizens' complaints. The Inspectorate will work with various agencies, including the Judicial Service Commission, NIRA, Police, Resident District Commissioners, and local government leaders. This move aims to enhance the Inspectorate's outreach and effectiveness in addressing public concerns.
Deputy IGG Muhairwe welcomed the efforts of Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara, who is holding public barazas where citizens can raise complaints about bribery and abuse of office. However, she emphasized that government ministries must operate within the law and respect the principles of natural justice. The Inspectorate follows its own process of collecting information, carrying out investigations, and making arrests where necessary.
The Deputy IGG also called on members of the public to provide detailed information when reporting corruption. She stressed that the Inspectorate cannot act on rumors without specific information about the individuals or institutions involved. The Inspectorate's approach involves collecting information, carrying out investigations, making arrests where necessary, and taking suspects to court.
The Inspectorate's efforts are part of Uganda's observance of International Ombuds Day on October 8. This year's theme is "Ombuds: Office of Options," and the Inspectorate is encouraging citizens to use the hashtag #TalkToTheOmbudsman when raising complaints or seeking help. The Ombudsman role goes beyond the fight against corruption and includes promoting strict adherence to the rule of law and principles of natural justice in public administration.
The Inspector General of Government, Lady Justice Aisha Batala Naluzze, noted that corruption often grows where administrative rules and procedures are broken or ignored. She emphasized that the Ombudsman function helps close such gaps, which in turn can reduce corruption and improve public service delivery. The Inspectorate's work promotes transparency and accountability across government ministries, departments, agencies, and local governments.
Key points
- The Inspectorate of Government has recovered over $11 million in its fight against corruption.
- The Inspectorate recommended payment of $640,000 to those denied employment benefits.
- The Inspectorate will hold Ombuds clinics in all 16 regional offices to receive and resolve citizens' complaints.
