The Inspectorate of Government (IG) in Uganda has expressed support for Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara's approach to fighting corruption. According to Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, the Deputy Inspector General of Government, the campaign is in line with a Cabinet decision but must be carried out within the confines of the law. The IG's backing comes as corruption remains a significant challenge in Uganda, with the Inspectorate recovering over Shs41 billion through its Ombudsman function.
Twinomugisha emphasized that the fight against corruption cannot be left to the Inspectorate of Government alone. She welcomed efforts geared towards fighting corruption, citing the escalated level of impunity in the country. However, she cautioned the Ministry of Local Government to carry out its work lawfully. The IG's support for Balaam's approach is significant, as the Inspectorate has a critical role in promoting administrative justice and addressing abuse of authority and office.
The Inspectorate of Government operates within the rule of law and observes the principles of natural justice in its administrative functions. As such, it cannot adopt the same methods as the Ministry of Local Government in fighting corruption. Twinomugisha stressed that people should not be treated as guilty before investigations have established their culpability. The IG works with Minister Balaam but emphasizes the importance of due process in handling corruption cases.
Twinomugisha criticized the public's reluctance to expose people who demand bribes, noting that many people are willing to pay bribes to secure jobs but are unwilling to provide information about those demanding the money. This reluctance hampers the Inspectorate's investigations, as people often conceal information or decline to cooperate with investigators. She credited Balaam's campaign with encouraging more people to come forward with information and urged the public to play a greater role in the fight against corruption.
The Inspectorate of Government has a critical role in promoting administrative justice, with the Ombudsman function vested in it under the Constitution. The Ombudsman mandate empowers the IG to address abuse of authority, abuse of office, and misuse of public resources. Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala noted that administrative injustices remain a major burden to national development. She highlighted that Ombudsman-related matters accounted for 37 percent of all complaints investigated and concluded by the Inspectorate during the 2025/26 financial year.
According to Lady Justice Naluzze, common complaints brought before the Inspectorate include delays in employment and payment of benefits, irregular recruitment processes, and victimization of whistleblowers. During the 2025/26 financial year, the Inspectorate resolved 1,011 Ombudsman cases across central and local governments. Additionally, Shs2.353 billion was recommended for payment following IG intervention in cases where individuals had been denied their rightful employment benefits.
The global observance of Ombudsman Day, marked on Thursday, recognizes the Ombudsman as an important bridge between citizens and the state in promoting administrative justice. The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 72/186 in December 2017, establishing Ombudsman Day. As Uganda prepares to commemorate the day, the Inspectorate of Government continues to play a vital role in promoting accountability and transparency in the country.
Key points
- The Inspectorate of Government has recovered over Shs41 billion through its Ombudsman function.
- The IG supports Balaam's anti-corruption campaign but emphasizes the need to carry out the campaign within the law.
- Administrative injustices remain a significant challenge in Uganda, with Ombudsman-related matters accounting for 37 percent of all complaints investigated by the Inspectorate.
