While addressing journalists at Uganda Media Center on Monday, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya announced the upcoming 38th anniversary of the Inspectorate of Government (IG) with a call to fight more against the demon of corruption.
The anniversary, set for September 18, 2024, will be marked by an event at the Railway Grounds along Kampala Road, aimed at reinforcing public engagement and showcasing the IG’s achievements.
In her briefing, Kamya highlighted the IG’s ongoing mission to enforce the rule of law and combat corruption. “Corruption is at the tail end of administrative injustice,” Kamya said, emphasizing the crucial role of strict legal enforcement in addressing this issue.
Kamya detailed the IG’s recent accomplishments, including handling 2,377 complaints related to corruption, Ombudsman issues, and Leadership Code violations over the past financial year.
The IG investigated 852 corruption-related cases, leading to the recovery of Shs17 billion for the consolidated fund. The IG also achieved a conviction rate of 47.3 percent in court cases and 85.7 percent at the Leadership Code Tribunal.
A key focus of the IG’s strategy is increasing public involvement in the fight against corruption. Kamya reported a positive shift in citizen engagement, stating, “I am happy to inform you that the citizens are now empowered and have been reaching out to us to report corruption.” This increased public participation is essential for addressing corruption effectively, as it provides the IG with valuable information and support.
Challenges Faced by the IG
Despite these successes, Kamya acknowledged several challenges that the IG continues to face. One major challenge is the high level of corruption perceptions in Uganda, which complicates the enforcement of anti-corruption measures and undermines public trust. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index has consistently reflected concerns about corruption, which remains a significant barrier to achieving transparency and accountability.
Another challenge is the logistical and resource constraints that impact the IG’s operations. Kamya noted that while the IG has made strides in addressing corruption, the scale of the problem often exceeds the available resources. This includes limitations in manpower and financial resources, which can affect the IG’s ability to investigate and prosecute cases efficiently.
The IG also faces difficulties in ensuring comprehensive compliance with the Leadership Code Act. Although there was a high declaration rate of 81.3 percent among leaders, the process of verifying and addressing non-compliance remains labor-intensive and challenging.
Kamya underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in overcoming these challenges. Collaborations with organizations such as the Inter-Agency Forum Uganda and various anti-corruption bodies are crucial for enhancing coordination and efficiency in anti-corruption efforts.
Looking ahead, the IG aims to strengthen these partnerships and continue empowering citizens through advocacy, education, and community mobilization. Kamya urged citizens to participate in IG Day, stating, “This interaction will enhance public trust in the IG. Therefore, I am calling upon the citizens to come and interact with us on 18th September 2024.”
As the IG prepares for its anniversary celebration, the focus will be on addressing these challenges, building public trust, and enhancing the fight against corruption. The continued collaboration between the IG and the public is vital for advancing towards a more transparent and just society.
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