The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has officially launched the Anti-Corruption Caravan to the Bunyoro Sub-region, urging citizens to take a frontline role in promoting accountability and reporting corruption.
The caravan was flagged off on Friday at the offices of ActionAid Uganda in Kansanga, marking the start of a regional campaign aimed at strengthening public oversight and improving governance through active citizen participation.
Speaking at the launch, Lady Justice Naluzze commended ActionAid Uganda and its partners for bringing together key stakeholders committed to combating corruption and advancing good governance.
“Today’s event is more than the launch of a caravan. It is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to protecting public resources, strengthening accountability systems, and ensuring that development reaches the people for whom it is intended,” she said.
Lady Justice Naluzze noted that corruption remains one of the biggest obstacles to Uganda’s social and economic transformation, diverting resources meant for essential public services and development programmes.
She explained that every shilling lost to corruption represents missed opportunities for communities through delayed infrastructure projects, inadequate healthcare services, poor educational facilities and reduced livelihood opportunities.
Lady Justice Naluzze emphasized that the fight against corruption cannot be left solely to enforcement agencies, stressing that sustainable success depends on the active involvement of citizens.
“The Inspectorate of Government recognises that while investigation and prosecution remain important, lasting success can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in demanding accountability and integrity from public officials and institutions,” she said.
The Anti-Corruption Caravan will provide a platform for direct engagement between accountability institutions and communities through public dialogues, awareness campaigns, media engagements, barazas and joint monitoring activities. The initiative seeks to increase awareness about corruption prevention, strengthen public oversight and encourage citizens to report cases of corruption and maladministration.
The campaign will cover the districts of Kiryandongo, Masindi, Buliisa, Kagadi, Kikuube, Hoima District and Hoima City.
Addressing residents of Bunyoro and Ugandans at large, the IGG described citizens as the cornerstone of the anti-corruption struggle.
“You are the first line of defence against corruption. Your vigilance, courage and willingness to report wrongdoing are indispensable in building a society founded on integrity, justice and accountability,” she said.
She also recognised the media as a critical partner in promoting transparency and public awareness, urging journalists to continue amplifying anti-corruption messages and reporting on the outcomes of the caravan.
ActionAid Uganda Country Director Samuel Ntale challenged leaders and institutions to translate anti-corruption commitments into measurable action.
“Citizens are watching. We expect action, not rhetoric; prosecution, not protection,” Ntale said.
The Anti-Corruption Caravan is a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen citizen engagement and enhance public oversight of service delivery, contributing to improved governance and sustainable development across Uganda.
