The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Inspectorate of Government (IG) in strengthening accountability and transparency in public service delivery.
This assurance was made when the World Bank Country Manager, Francisca Ayodeji Akala, met with the Inspector General of Government, Naluzze Aisha Batala, at the Bank’s Country Offices in Kololo on Thursday.
The meeting underscored the strong and growing partnership between the two institutions in promoting integrity, particularly in government projects and programmes supported by the Bank.
During the discussions, the IGG expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s continued collaboration, noting that the two institutions previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency to facilitate information sharing and joint investigations into fraud and corruption.
She emphasized the importance of renewing and strengthening this partnership to enhance oversight and safeguard public resources.
Akala reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to sustaining the collaboration, highlighting the positive impact of the IG’s interventions in key initiatives such as the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF). She commended the Inspectorate for its proactive role in ensuring that development projects achieve their intended outcomes.
The IGG also called for increased support towards preventive anti-corruption measures, stressing that prevention remains one of the most effective strategies in combating corruption.
She outlined the Inspectorate’s strategic priorities, including tackling high-profile and syndicated corruption cases, strengthening investigative and prosecutorial capacity, recruiting specialized experts, upgrading the forensic laboratory with modern technology, enhancing enforcement of the Leadership Code of Conduct, leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics, improving asset tracing and recovery, and advancing digital transformation through automation of key processes.
Members of the World Bank delegation applauded the significant progress made by the Inspectorate, particularly in digitization efforts aimed at improving efficiency and transparency.
They also recognized the IG’s work in empowering citizens to demand accountability through public engagement and awareness programmes.
Both parties agreed to expedite the renewal of the existing Memorandum of Understanding and to address reporting concerns raised by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to ensure seamless implementation of joint activities.
