17,090 face prosecution over failure to declare wealth

KAMPALA | IG | WEALTH DECLARATION

Seven days before the deadline, 17,090 public servants have yet to declare their wealth.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) revealed on Thursday evening that only 6,910 public servants had declared their income, assets, and liabilities.

About 24,000 public officials are required to declare their wealth, including the President, ministers, judges, MPs, and political leaders, among others.

The IGG Betty Kamya addressing the patients' attendants as she toured Mukono General Hospital

When asked if President Yoweri Museveni, Vice President Jessica Alupo, and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja had declared their wealth, the IG head, Beti Kamya, declined to reveal the details, claiming that the law does not allow her to reveal individuals who have declared their wealth.

“I assure the public that the response in terms of the declaration of assets is positive, but I am not at liberty to talk about individuals. When time expires, we shall check our records, and those who have not declared will be prosecuted before the Leadership Code Tribunal,” Kamya warned.

She sounded the warning while inspecting IG’s regional office in Mukono district to find out how it is performing in terms of service delivery. Kamya is expected to inspect 16 regional offices in seven districts and two municipalities across the country.

The IGG explained that the law requires that all political leaders, from LC3 to the President, declare their income, assets, and liabilities.

Kamya also said political leaders, who are not elected but sit on the national executive committees of registered political parties, are expected to declare their wealth, warning that those who do not heed to IG’s call will not be nominated by the Electoral Commission (EC) to contest for leadership positions.

“Do not say it is political persecution if you are not nominated by the EC to contest for a leadership position over failure to declare wealth,” she warned.

Other Penalties

Failure to declare income, assets, and liabilities also attracts a fine of sh4m, a demotion, caution, or dismissal from office. Late declaration of wealth carries a sh1.2m fine, which can be increased to sh1.6m after two months.

The IGG Betty Kamya (right) while at Mukono General Hospital, second left, the hospital boss, Dr. Geoffrey Kasirye.

However, civil servants who are convicted for failing to declare their rights retain their jobs after paying the fines.

Soldiers’ declaration

Kamya told the New Vision that she has yet to receive a letter from Museveni regarding the verification of security personnel's declaration of income, assets, and liabilities.

The IGG, however, said she is willing to harmonize the position of declaration of wealth by security personnel with Museveni, noting that there is a provision in the law that allows the President and IGG to make decisions where the security of the country might be compromised.

In a letter dated April 24, 2022, addressed to the IGG, the State House says the identities and details of armed personnel should be the monopoly of the Chief of Personnel and Administration.

"The IGG should collaborate with the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence to combat corruption in the armed forces." A similar arrangement should be made for the Police and the External Security Organization," the letter states in part.

Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka, the Resident District Commissioner for Mukono, also appealed to leaders to declare their wealth before March 31, 2023. “Failure to declare wealth might cost your job,”

Quality services

The IGG also rallied the public to demand quality services, saying they pay taxes to the government for them.

“If you want a land title and the officer in the ministry of lands is taking years to process it, just walk to the IG offices and report the official, and we take action against him or her,” she advised.

Betty Namisango Kamya, the IGG addressing the media at the Mukono Regional Inspectorate of Government Offices.

Kamya revealed that the IG regional office in Mukono recovered sh15m from corrupt officials between January and December 2022, which she said was a little. She also said they have led to several public officers being dismissed and interdicted from their offices because of corruption.

The IGG also tipped Mukono district leaders to take advantage of the 5% percentage benefit earned by whistleblowers to enhance their incomes.

Iron sheets

Concerning the iron sheet saga, Kamya stated that the anti-corruption agency is looking into the mismanagement of the government's entire relief program over the last two years.

“For example, in the iron sheet saga, there was a system failure that needs to be investigated." It is not enough to jail people and removes them from a job; you must investigate the procurement process of iron sheets, food, and blankets,” she said.

Mukono hospital on spot over corruption

During IGG’s tour, the management of Mukono General Hospital was put on notice following allegations of corruption and bribery. Kamya had made a spot visit to the hospital, where she interacted with medical workers, caretakers, and patients.

At first, the general picture revealed a colorful ambiance with health workers attending to patients.

But all hell broke loose when the IGG visited the maternity ward, where patients accused the medical workers of bribery.

“The hospital has a fairly friendly environment. Most people have confirmed that when they come here, they get services for free, but a few people say they have been asked to pay money for treatment. We shall investigate the allegations.” she said.

Dr Geoffrey Kasirye, the hospital medical superintendent, labeled the allegations of corruption as false.

“Payments are made for patients who want special services in the private wing. But others get free services,” he said.