The Minister for Public Service, Muruli Mukasa, has emphasized that the declaration of income, assets, and liabilities by public officers—alongside adherence to the User Guide to the Leadership Code Act—is a legal obligation, not an administrative inconvenience.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while launching the nationwide declaration exercise for public officers, together with a newly developed User Guide to the Leadership Code Act. The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct across Uganda’s public sector.
The declaration exercise, which commenced on April 1 and will run until April 30, 2026, requires all qualifying public officers to disclose their financial status. The exercise is conducted under the oversight of the Inspectorate of Government, commonly referred to as IGG, as mandated by law.
“When you declare your income, assets and liabilities, you demonstrate honesty and accountability. It shows that you are a person of integrity and can confidently account for what you have without fear,” he said.
Mukasa reaffirmed the government’s full support for the IGG in enforcing compliance with the law, signaling a renewed commitment to building a transparent and accountable public service that prioritizes citizens’ interests.
The newly introduced User Guide is designed to simplify and clarify the provisions of the Leadership Code Act, making it more accessible to both leaders and the general public.
Officials say the guide will help eliminate ambiguity surrounding the obligations of public officers and improve overall compliance.
Under the law, specified public officers—those employed in Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and Local Governments whose salaries are paid by the Government of Uganda—are required to declare their income, assets, and liabilities every five years.
The Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Rose Lily Akello, commended the IGG for its efforts in promoting ethical standards in public service. She urged all public officers to take the declaration exercise seriously, warning that non-compliance would attract legal consequences.
“This is a very important period and all Public Officers should take this exercise seriously. Those who fail to declare will be prosecuted by the Leadership Code Tribunal because the law is very clear,” she said.
The Inspector General of Government, Aisha Naluzze Batala, described the declaration exercise as a cornerstone of good governance rather than a mere statutory requirement.
She noted that transparency and accountability are fundamental obligations for anyone entrusted with public office.
Batala highlighted that financial disclosure promotes integrity and discourages corrupt practices such as bribery and abuse of office.
“When Public Officers are aware that their financial status is subject to scrutiny, they are more likely to act with integrity, make decisions in the public interest, and avoid practices that undermine service delivery,” she said.
Batala also reassured public officers that measures have been put in place to ensure the declaration process is efficient, user-friendly, and accessible.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Leadership Code Tribunal, Rose Karugonjo, welcomed the introduction of the User Guide, noting that simplifying the code will enhance understanding and compliance across all levels of public service.
“We hope that the User Guide will bring about a renewed commitment to implement the Leadership Code Act, enhance access to justice and equality, and restore legitimacy and trust in
our institutions,” she said.
The launch reaffirms Uganda’s broader efforts to strengthen institutional integrity and foster a culture where accountability is not optional but expected.
Authorities believe that consistent enforcement of the Leadership Code Act will play a critical role in improving public trust and ensuring efficient, citizen-centered service delivery.