The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, has called upon Cabinet Ministers to strengthen their oversight role in government while deliberately refraining from interfering in day-to-day operational processes, warning that such involvement creates opportunities for corruption and conflicts of interest.
Muhairwe made the remarks while delivering a presentation to newly appointed Cabinet Ministers during their induction retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi District.
She was accompanied by the Director of Project Risk Monitoring and Control, Annet Twine; the Director of Education Research and Advocacy, Gerald Gwaira; and the Director of Ombudsman Affairs, Savio Ntesimbe Kakooza.
Her presentation focused on “The Mandate of the Inspectorate of Government and the Role of the Executive in the Fight Against Corruption,” as ministers gathered to discuss ways of strengthening governance, accountability, and public service delivery.
Drawing the ministers’ attention to the “Eyes-on, Hands-off” principle, Muhairwe urged them to exercise effective oversight while respecting established legal and administrative processes.
She cautioned that undermining institutional safeguards could erode years of progress in public administration and create opportunities for corrupt officials to exploit weaknesses within government systems.
“The law assigns the responsibility of recruitment processes, procurement award decisions, and other day-to-day administrative functions to accounting officers. Where a Minister identifies wrongdoing, the appropriate action is to refer the matter to the competent authority rather than assume functions assigned to others,” she said.
Muhairwe emphasized that strong oversight and respect for institutional processes are complementary pillars of good governance and should never be viewed as competing responsibilities.
She warned that corruption thrives where systems, controls, and accountability mechanisms have weakened or collapsed, making it imperative for leaders to protect and strengthen institutional processes.
“Strong oversight and respect for institutional processes must go hand in hand. A minister who remains independent retains the moral authority necessary to supervise others and demand accountability,” she said.
The Deputy IGG further noted that the success of government programmes depends heavily on strong and proactive political leadership, urging ministers to regularly conduct field visits and assess whether government interventions are delivering tangible benefits to citizens.
“Political leadership becomes more meaningful when it translates into visible improvements in the lives of people. Ministers must ask questions. They must challenge poor performance. They must insist on results,” she said.
Muhairwe explained that effective oversight acts as a spotlight that exposes gaps and weaknesses in the implementation of government programmes, helping to hold public officials accountable for their stewardship of public resources.
She observed that oversight not only promotes compliance but also encourages public servants to become active champions in the fight against corruption and protectors of public trust.
The Deputy IGG reminded ministers that citizens ultimately evaluate government performance based on the results they experience in their daily lives rather than promises made by
leaders.
She therefore called for strengthened monitoring and evaluation of public service delivery to ensure that government programmes achieve their intended objectives.
Muhairwe’s message served as a call to duty, urging ministers to look beyond the privileges associated with public office and focus on the responsibility they bear toward the nation.
She challenged them to place the interests of citizens above personal ambitions, stressing that public leadership should be measured by meaningful contributions to national development and the well-being of the people.
“In an environment where every decision is subject to public scrutiny, ministers must uphold integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to public service,” she said.