By Gorrette Kajumba
www.mknewslink.com
In Kabarole—
The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has called on leaders in Fort Portal Tourism City and Kabarole District to strengthen accountability, improve the management of public funds and intensify the fight against corruption.
Batala made the call during a meeting with political leaders, security officials, representatives of the offices of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and Resident City Commissioner (RCC), and other local government officials at the Kabarole District headquarters in Kitumba, Fort Portal Tourism City.
She said the visit was aimed at assessing the operations of the regional IGG office and strengthening collaboration between the Inspectorate of Government and local governments.
The IGG emphasised the need for local governments to comply with financial management regulations, closely monitor government projects and ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes.
She warned that weak accountability systems and poor supervision could create opportunities for corruption and shoddy work.
Batala also revealed that her office had received complaints concerning alleged ghost workers and the sale of jobs within local government service commissions.
She stressed that the Inspectorate of Government has a responsibility to monitor and supervise the work of public institutions, including service commissions, and urged leaders to cooperate with investigators.
The IGG further cautioned against the misuse of government assets, calling for stronger oversight and transparency in the management of public resources.
Leaders pledge support in the fight against corruption
Kabarole District LCV Chairperson Reuben Kimome described the IGG’s visit as timely, saying district leaders were ready to learn, listen and implement measures aimed at improving accountability.
Kimome decried corruption in public recruitment, procurement and service delivery, arguing that the vice undermines development and makes it difficult for ordinary citizens to access essential services.
He pledged that district leaders would work together to promote honesty and strengthen efforts to fight corruption.
Fort Portal Tourism City Mayor Rev. Willy Kintu Muhanga said the city’s elevation to city status came with expectations of transforming it into a clean, green and modern tourism destination, but the transition had also brought challenges.
He cited limited local revenue, revenue leakages, pressure on land and markets, and inadequate resources as some of the challenges facing the city.
Muhanga observed that financial constraints and weak systems could create opportunities for corruption, arguing that the city needed integrity alongside infrastructure development.
He said the city leadership was working to improve transparency in revenue collection, with all money collected from markets and property taxes expected to be receipted and banked.
The mayor also asked the Inspectorate of Government to support efforts to strengthen internal and external audit systems.
IGG urged to strengthen presence in the region
Other leaders called for increased public sensitisation on corruption, stronger collaboration with the Inspectorate of Government and clearer guidance on the declaration of personal assets.
They also raised concerns about what they described as limited investigations into corruption allegations in local governments compared with central government institutions.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner Emmanuel Businge, who represented the office of the RCC, called for collective responsibility in fighting corruption and urged the Inspectorate of Government to establish a stronger presence in the area to bring its services closer to the public.
The leaders also discussed the possibility of providing land for the construction of an IGG office in the area.
Batala said the fight against corruption should not be left to the Inspectorate of Government alone, but requires the participation of leaders, public servants and citizens.
Inspectorate reports more than 200 cases in Fort Portal
Robert Lugolobi, the Director of Anti-Corruption at the Inspectorate of Government, said the institution works with local leaders and other stakeholders to address corruption.
He disclosed that more than 200 cases had been recorded in Fort Portal and urged leaders to provide timely information about suspected corruption and shoddy government projects to enable the Inspectorate to intervene.
Following the meeting, Batala visited the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) offices in Booma and Mountains of the Moon University.
She had also been scheduled to hold a public baraza at Booma Playground, but the event was disrupted by rain
