The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) is turning up the heat on public officials who have failed to declare their assets in what could be one of the biggest crackdowns on corruption in Uganda.
The move, aimed at holding leaders accountable and curbing illicit wealth accumulation has sparked controversy and anxiety within government circles.
The IGG, Beti Kamya, has made it clear that no leader is above the law. Ministers, Members of Parliament, top civil servants and high-ranking security officials are all under scrutiny.
The declaration of wealth and assets is a legal requirement meant to prevent public servants from amassing unexplained riches at the expense of taxpayers.
However, multiple reports indicate that many officials either under-declare or fail to declare their wealth entirely raising red flags about possible corruption, money laundering and abuse of office.
“This is a national issue. Leaders must be accountable. Those who fail to declare their wealth are violating the Leadership Code and will face the consequences,” Kamya stated in a firm address to the media.
The IGG has vowed to take stern action against defaulters, including prosecution, asset recovery, dismissal from office and public exposure.
Some officials could face fines or even jail time depending on the severity of their violations.
Sources indicate that the IGG is working with the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and international anti-corruption bodies to trace hidden wealth, both locally and abroad.
While opposition figures and anti-corruption activists have praised the move as long overdue, some government insiders are skeptical, questioning whether this is a genuine effort or another selective campaign targeting political rivals.
“This initiative is welcome, but will it be applied fairly? We’ve seen similar efforts before, only for them to fizzle out when ‘big fish’ are involved.”
Meanwhile, Ugandans on social media have expressed mixed reactions. Some celebrate the effort to bring corrupt leaders to book while others doubt whether real action will be taken against the politically powerful.
With investigations already underway, if successful, the crackdown could set a precedent for greater accountability among Uganda’s leadership. If it fails, it could further erode public trust in the fight against corruption.
