Inspector General of Government: Fighting Corruption is a Painful Job.

By Teddy Namayanja

Beti Olive Namisango Kamya Turomwe, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), has candidly shared the challenges and rewards of her role as the entity prepares to mark its 38th anniversary on September 18, 2024. Kamya described fighting corruption as a “painful job” due to its severe impact on service delivery in Uganda.

Challenges in the Fight Against Corruption

Despite the IG’s efforts yielding significant results, with over 30 billion shillings recovered from corrupt practices in the financial year 2023/24, corruption remains a severe issue in Uganda. The country loses more than 10 trillion shillings annually due to corrupt activities.

Public Engagement and Transparency

However, there has been a notable increase in public engagement, with the IG receiving 2,377 complaints related to corruption, the Ombudsman, and leadership conduct in the past financial year. A substantial 91.8% of these cases were sanctioned for investigation, demonstrating the IG’s commitment to addressing corruption thoroughly.

Call to Action

Kamya emphasized that combating corruption is a collective responsibility, urging the public to actively participate in the fight against corruption. The IG has organized an open interaction event on September 18 at Railway Grounds in Kampala, allowing citizens to register complaints and consult with the IG directly.

Conclusion

As the IG continues its mission, the 38th anniversary serves as both a reflection on past achievements and a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring a corruption-free Uganda.