As Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government (IG) prepares to commemorate 38 years of fighting corruption on September 18, 2024, Beti Olive Namisango Kamya Turomwe, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), reflects on the challenging yet rewarding journey in the battle against corruption. Kamya candidly described the role as “painful,” particularly as it relates to the strain that corruption places on service delivery in the country.
“Fighting corruption is a painful job,” Kamya acknowledged, noting the hardships citizens endure when trying to access essential services. She also referenced the high number of accident victims at Mulago National Referral Hospital, highlighting how corruption negatively impacts healthcare and other sectors.
The upcoming anniversary presents an opportunity for the IG to renew its call for public participation in the fight against corruption. Kamya urged citizens to be proactive in this war, stating, “We will use the occasion to rally the public to join the IG in the fight against corruption. We need them not as spectators but as active participants.”
Corruption has long plagued Uganda, affecting the country’s development. Despite ongoing efforts, Uganda still loses an estimated 10 trillion shillings annually to corrupt practices. However, the IG’s efforts have yielded tangible results. In the financial year 2023/24 alone, over 30 billion shillings were recovered from corruption-related activities.
Kamya acknowledged that the road ahead remains difficult, but she praised the growing public engagement in anti-corruption efforts. Last year, the IG registered 2,377 complaints, encompassing corruption cases, ombudsman issues, and leadership misconduct. Of these, 1,260 complaints were filed at the head office, while 1,117 came from the 16 regional offices. Impressively, 91.8% of the cases were approved for investigation, reflecting the IG’s dedication to addressing corruption comprehensively.
To strengthen transparency and public involvement, the IG has planned an open interaction event on September 18 at the Railway Grounds in Kampala. This event will allow citizens to register complaints, consult with IG officials, and directly engage in the fight against corruption.
Kamya stressed that tackling corruption is a shared responsibility, requiring continued public support and vigilance. As the IG looks back on nearly four decades of service, this anniversary serves as a moment to celebrate progress while recognizing the immense challenges that remain. With greater public involvement, the IG hopes to make even more strides toward a corruption-free Uganda.