The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Patricia Okiria, has warned public officials against under-declaration, over-declaration, and non-declaration of assets, saying all forms of non-compliance violate the Leadership Code and carry legal consequences.
Ms Okiria made the remarks while addressing Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and town clerks from districts, cities, and municipalities during their quarterly meeting in Kampala, noting uneven compliance levels across local governments.
“The law is very clear: under-declaration, over-declaration, and non-declaration are all offences under the Leadership Code, and they attract punitive action,” Dr Okiria said.
She highlighted that some political leaders continue to resist declaring assets, undermining efforts to promote integrity in public service.
Recalling a previous initiative where the Inspectorate of Government published the names of non-compliant officials in newspapers, Ms Okiria said the move, though controversial, was intended to enforce accountability.
“When we published the names of non-compliant officials, many people were furious, but the objective was to remind leaders that accountability to the public is not optional,” she said.
Ms Okiria announced that the next asset declaration exercise is scheduled for April 2026, urging all accounting officers and political leaders to comply fully.
She emphasized that the system is now digitized, making it easier for officials to declare their assets at their convenience.
“The declaration system is online to ensure ease of access and convenience, and there is really no justification for failure to comply,” Okiria said.
“Asset declaration remains a key tool in promoting transparency and fighting corruption in public service.”
During the meeting, several CAOs and town clerks called for intensified sensitization, noting that some officials still lack adequate understanding of the declaration process and its legal implications.
Okiria responded that the Inspectorate of Government would step up nationwide awareness campaigns ahead of the 2026 exercise.
She urged local government leaders to lead by example, stressing that public trust can only be built when leaders demonstrate openness and accountability in the management of public resources.
“Public trust is earned when leaders show transparency. Those in charge of public resources must set the standard,” Okiria said.
