IT has been established that a report which accused the Inspector General of Government of abuse of office is fake. Finance minister Ezra Suruma described it as fabricated and authored by people with a legal background seeking revenge.

The IGG Justice Faith Mwondha has been probing illegal incomes of some leaders. This has attracted antagonism from some quarters.

The IGG’s onslaught on corrupt leaders has led to the improvement of Uganda’s rating on the fight against corruption.
Countries with high levels of corruption have found themselves less able to attract investment in a competitive global market.

The question that should be dealt with is whether the IGG is entitled to a salary of a judge or IGG. But Mwondha is still a judicial officer because she was officially granted a four-year leave without pay and may choose to go back to the bench when her contract expires next year.

Article 128 (7) of the Constitution says that the salary, allowances and other privileges of a judicial officer shall not be varied to his or her advantage. Further, Article 223 says the only people required to resign their positions when appointed as IGG are Members of Parliament, Local Government Councils and members of the executive of a political party or organisation.

As to whether Mwondha can be a judge as well as the IGG is a matter before court. Those who are raising corruption allegations would be justified if the IGG was drawing two salaries which is not the case.

We all know that fighting corruption is a Herculean task. But both the government and the opposition must show strong anti-corruption commitment so that the public has equal provision of services.
The manner in which the document was smuggled to a Parliamentary committee also raises questions. Parliament should not be seen to be fighting or challenging IGG’s legitimacy.

The MPs should not play Judas (traitors) in the fight against corruption. The IGG should be insulated from political interference.