Summary:
- The IGG urged Ugandans to actively participate in the fight against corruption.
KAMPALA: The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Beti Kamya, has revealed that only Shs2.3 billion was recovered from corrupt individuals between January and June 2024, out of the Shs15.7 billion recommended for recovery.
Kamya made the revelation while handing over the Bi-Annual Performance Report. She lamented the staggering Shs10 trillion lost annually to corruption, which accounts for over 44% of Uganda’s annual revenue collections.
“A scientific study was conducted, and it is estimated that this country loses up to Shs10 trillion per year to corruption. If the Inspectorate of Government were adequately funded, this figure could significantly decrease. Shs10 trillion per year is nearly 44% of our domestic revenue. When such a large portion of our revenue is lost and little is done to address it, it reflects a failure to prioritize a critical issue,” Kamya said.
The IGG urged Ugandans to actively participate in the fight against corruption.
“During the reporting period, the Inspectorate of Government prioritized corruption prevention as the main approach to eliminating the vice and promoting adherence to the rule of law. We have opened the Inspectorate to the public and are inviting everyone to join the fight against corruption, recognizing themselves as victims of it,” Kamya added.
She also expressed concern about widespread corruption in the recruitment of government jobs. The Inspectorate conducted research on the cost and extent of corruption in staff recruitment by district service commissions across 20 districts. The findings revealed rampant corruption in the process.
“We also carried out a cost-benefit analysis of outsourcing recruitment firms for government departments and agencies. The research stemmed from numerous complaints about irregular recruitment by commissions. Preliminary findings confirmed widespread corruption, especially within district service commissions,” Kamya explained.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among urged the IGG to strengthen relationships with Ugandans and increase public awareness campaigns to combat corruption. She made the appeal while receiving the Bi-Annual Performance Report, following Kamya’s disclosure of a rise in complaints filed. Between January and July 2024, 1,657 complaints were recorded, compared to 1,276 between July and December 2023. Kamya attributed this increase to greater public engagement on reporting corruption cases.
“I know you raise awareness about corruption and misuse of government funds. I urge you to expand these efforts. Build friendships with the people, so they feel comfortable reporting corruption cases. That will be a starting point in reducing the corruption that exists,” said Among.
The Speaker also commended the IGG for consistently submitting her performance reports to Parliament as required by the Constitution. She noted that some Members of Parliament had expressed concerns about certain agencies failing to submit their reports.
“We appreciate the great work you are doing for this country. It is up to both you and us to bring about change. As Parliament, we will continue to offer unwavering support. I urge the Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee to provide the highest level of support when the IGG seeks assistance. The work you do is important, and we recognize it,” Among remarked.
