“IGG Marks 38 Years of Combating Corruption: A Reflection on Progress and Challenges”
The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Betty Olive Namisango Kamya Turomwe, said fighting corruption is an arduous task.
“Fighting corruption is an arduous task,” Kamya explained as she reflected on the difficulties people experience in accessing services and the number of accident victims recorded at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
As the IG prepares to mark its 38th anniversary on September 18, 2024, she spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of her role.
“We use this opportunity to mobilize the public to support the IG in the fight against corruption and implore them to be participants in this war and not spectators,” Kamya pleaded.
Kamya explained that fighting corruption is a painful endeavor as corruption has a severe impact on service delivery in Uganda. In the 2023/24 financial year, the IG’s efforts have yielded notable results with over Sh30 billion being recovered from corrupt activities.
But the fight is not over yet. Corruption remains a serious problem in Uganda. The country reportedly loses more than 10 trillion shillings per year to corrupt activities.
Despite these challenges, public participation in the IG has increased significantly.
Last financial year, the IG received 2,377 complaints regarding corruption, ombudsman and management conduct. Of these complaints, 1,260 were received from the headquarters and 1,117 from the 16 regional offices.
Investigations were opened in 91.8% of these cases, highlighting the IG’s commitment to the thorough fight against corruption.
To further strengthen public engagement and transparency, the IG hosted a public networking event at the railway yard in Kampala on September 18th. The event featured complaints and consultations, allowing the public to directly participate in the fight against corruption.
Kamya stressed that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility, underscoring the need for the public’s continued support and vigilance.
As the IG continues its mission, the 38th anniversary serves as a look back at past successes and a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring a corruption-free Uganda.
