The Inspectorate of Government has called on Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) staff to utilize the Ombudsman function to seek redress and address administrative grievances. Deputy Inspector General of Government Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe made the appeal during a visit to UWA offices, where she led a delegation in discussions on good governance, accountability, and service delivery. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration and bring Ombudsman services closer to public institutions.
Muhairwe emphasized that the visit was not intended to find fault with UWA, but to understand concerns affecting staff and promote the Ombudsman function. She noted that greater public awareness of the Ombudsman function is necessary to enable citizens and public servants to seek redress when they feel unfairly treated or subjected to administrative injustice. The Deputy Inspector General also urged UWA staff to work as a team, respect their leaders and colleagues, and maintain a professional work environment.
The Inspectorate delegation, led by Muhairwe, toured several UWA departments, including Planning, Procurement, ICT, Monitoring and Evaluation, and the Reservations Office. At the Reservations Office, the delegation assessed service delivery and interacted with staff on challenges and opportunities in serving the public. Kakooza Savio Ntensibe, Director of Ombudsman Affairs, was part of the delegation and highlighted UWA's role in promoting the rule of law and good governance through its conservation efforts.
UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi welcomed the Inspectorate's decision to take Ombudsman services closer to public institutions. He described the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen dispute resolution and collaboration between the two institutions. Musinguzi briefed the delegation on UWA's mandate and operations, including the management of national parks, wildlife reserves, and sanctuaries. He also cited achievements such as the reintroduction of rhinos into the wild and species recovery programs.
Musinguzi reported that the current rhino population stands at 61 and thanked the Inspectorate for engaging directly with UWA staff. He also congratulated the Inspectorate on assuming the presidency of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA). Muhairwe encouraged UWA to publicize its achievements to promote public understanding of the Authority's contribution to wildlife conservation, tourism, and national development.
The engagement between the Inspectorate of Government and UWA brought together officials from both institutions to discuss ways of strengthening good governance, accountability, service delivery, and access to administrative justice. The discussions aimed to promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and professionalism within UWA. The Inspectorate's visit is part of its efforts to engage with public institutions and promote good governance.
The collaboration between the Inspectorate of Government and UWA is expected to enhance the delivery of Ombudsman services to UWA staff and the public. The visit demonstrated the Inspectorate's commitment to promoting administrative justice and good governance in Uganda's public institutions. Key aspects of the engagement included promoting teamwork, respect, and professionalism within UWA and publicizing the Ombudsman function to enhance access to administrative justice.
Key points
- Inspectorate of Government urges UWA staff to utilize the Ombudsman function to address administrative grievances.
- Deputy Inspector General Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe leads delegation to UWA to promote good governance and accountability.
- UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi welcomes collaboration with Inspectorate to strengthen dispute resolution and Ombudsman services.
