IGG Calls for Collective Action Against Corruption
The Inspector General of Government of Uganda (IGG), Beti Kamya Turwomwe, has issued a call to action, urging the public to collaborate with authorities to combat corruption.
The IGG emphasized that community members possess valuable information about officials involved in embezzlement, highlighting the critical role citizens play in the fight against corruption.
Speaking at the launch of USAID accountability activities in Kampala, the IGG stressed the importance of collective responsibility in building strong institutions.
“If you know about corruption and don’t speak out, you’re complicit and, in effect, promoting corruption. I urge everyone, including state and non-state actors, to inform people that fighting corruption is their responsibility,” the IGG urged.
She added, “The IGG has instruments of authority; the people have information. So, I need you to tell me that this public servant is building a mansion in Karamoja or Kabale, yet we don’t know any other source of income except their public service salary of about Shs 2 million. It’s a partnership between us, government institutions, and the public.”
The event, themed “Building Institutions: Taking Responsibility,” aimed to promote accountability and transparency in governance.
According to the USAID Mission Director, Danielle Nyirandutiye, the launch seeks to strengthen citizens’ ability to individually and collectively challenge corruption and demand accountability by increasing civic consciousness, reducing apathy, and holding duty bearers accountable.
“We work closely with communities to ensure that for everything we do, we achieve service delivery at all levels. One of our major tasks is to stop corruption; that’s why we must say yes to accountability and no to corruption,” Nyirandutiye added.
Xavier Ejoyi, Country Director at ActionAid, said, “Our role is to give platforms for citizens to engage in the fight against corruption and ensure service delivery.”
He added that in fighting corruption, citizens shouldn’t be left out but rather placed at the center of the fight.
