Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government has welcomed a government campaign led by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara to fight corruption, but warned that enforcement must comply with the law and principles of natural justice.
Deputy Inspector General of Government Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe said the Inspectorate supported efforts by government officials to tackle corruption but could not adopt approaches that bypass established legal procedures.
“Minister Balaam’s approach to fighting corruption is a cabinet approach; we welcome every effort that is geared towards fighting corruption,” Muhairwe said.
“However, we have cautioned the ministry to do this within the confines of the law.”
Barugahara has led inspections of local government institutions as part of a government campaign targeting alleged corruption, absenteeism, poor service delivery and misuse of public resources.
The minister has called for faster action against officials accused of wrongdoing, arguing that lengthy disciplinary procedures can undermine efforts to hold public servants accountable.
Muhairwe said the Inspectorate’s mandate required it to follow due process.
“Some of you have asked why the Inspectorate of Government doesn’t use the same approach. We are the custodians of the law and must do things with strict adherence to the rule of law and natural justice of administration; that’s not our nature of work,” she said.
The comments highlight a distinction between political and administrative interventions and the investigative and enforcement mandate of the Inspectorate.
Uganda’s anti-corruption framework requires public officials accused of misconduct to be subjected to established disciplinary and investigative procedures, including an opportunity to respond to allegations.
The Inspectorate has previously warned that disciplinary actions taken without following the required procedures can expose government to legal challenges.
The government has nevertheless stepped up its focus on corruption and accountability in local governments, where officials manage funds for services including health, education, roads and other public programmes.
The Inspectorate has also reported increased recovery of public funds and action against officials accused of corruption and maladministration.
Muhairwe said the different approaches should not be interpreted as opposition to the government’s anti-corruption campaign.
“We welcome every effort that is geared towards fighting corruption,” she said.
Her comments instead underline the Inspectorate’s position that efforts to combat corruption must themselves remain subject to the rule of law.
