The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Batala Naluzze, has called on citizens to take a more active role in promoting accountability and reporting corruption, saying public participation remains critical in the fight against corruption and the promotion of good governance.
The IGG made the remarks while flagging off the Anti-Corruption Caravan to the Bunyoro Sub-Region during a ceremony held at the offices of ActionAid International Uganda in Kansanga.
Naluzze commended ActionAid International Uganda and its partners for fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in the fight against corruption and strengthening efforts to promote accountability and good governance.
She described the Caravan as more than a symbolic event, saying it represents a collective commitment to protecting public resources, strengthening accountability systems and ensuring that development benefits the people for whom it is intended.
“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.
The IGG observed that corruption continues to undermine Uganda’s social and economic transformation by diverting resources meant for public services and development initiatives.
She noted that every shilling lost to corruption translates into missed opportunities for citizens through unbuilt schools, inadequate healthcare services, poor infrastructure and reduced livelihood opportunities.
Naluzze emphasised that the fight against corruption cannot be left to enforcement agencies alone, stressing that meaningful and sustainable progress requires active citizen engagement in demanding transparency and accountability from public officials and institutions.
“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.
According to her, the Anti-Corruption Caravan is intended to create direct engagement between accountability institutions and citizens through community dialogues, public awareness campaigns, media engagements, barazas and joint monitoring activities.
She explained that the initiative seeks to raise awareness on corruption prevention, strengthen public oversight and encourage citizens to report corruption and maladministration.
Addressing the people of Bunyoro and Uganda at large, Naluzze underscored the critical role citizens play in combating corruption and safeguarding public resources.
“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.
Naluzze also acknowledged the role of the media in advancing transparency and public awareness, describing it as an important bridge between institutions and citizens.
She urged media practitioners to continue supporting anti-corruption efforts by amplifying messages and outcomes from the Caravan.
The Anti-Corruption Caravan will traverse the districts of Kiryandongo, Masindi, Buliisa, Kagadi, Kikuube, Hoima District and Hoima City as part of efforts to strengthen citizen engagement and enhance public oversight of service delivery.
Speaking at the same event, ActionAid International Uganda Country Director Samuel Ntale challenged leaders and institutions to translate anti-corruption commitments into concrete action.
“Citizens are watching. We expect action, not rhetoric; prosecution, not protection,” he said.
The Anti-Corruption Caravan is a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening citizen engagement and enhancing public oversight of service delivery, thereby contributing to improved governance and sustainable development in Uganda