The Leadership Code Tribunal (LCT) has released its annual report for 2021/22, highlighting the agency’s achievements including handling all the cases received within the set time framework.

According to the report, the Tribunal received 26 cases, 20 of which were on non-declaration of assets, three on abuse of public property, and one on use of public funds contrary to the existing instructions.

The State Minister of Ethics and Integrity Rose Lilly Akello addressing the participants during the launch of the Leadership Code Tribunal (LCT) annual report 2021/22 on Wednesday in Kampala.

The report shows that out of the 26 cases, the Tribunal disposed of 14 cases through mediation and formal hearings, 10 cases are pending determination while two were withdrawn by the Inspectorate of Government.

It also shows the fines that were imposed by the Tribunal on some of the respondents, including a case of abuse of public property which resulted in an order for demotion, and refund of property worth sh22.5m to the government.

The LCT report was released on Wednesday (November 30) at an event held at the Office of the President in Kampala in accordance with Section 19P of the leadership Code Act, No.5 of 2002.

The Chairperson of the Leadership Code Tribunal (LCT) Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo-Segawa addressing the participants at the launch LCT annual report 2022/22 at the Office of the President in Kampala on Wednesday.

The event was graced by the State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Rose Lilly Akello, the Chairperson of LCT Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo-Segawa and her deputy, Asuman Kiyingi plus the Director of Public Prosecution, Justice Jane Francis Abodo among others.

Speaking at the event, Akello thanked the LCT for their work especially the adjudication of the breaches of the Leadership Code Act 2017.

“I also take this opportunity to thank the various stakeholders who have given all the support to the Tribunal in order to achieve all that has been laid this year,” she said, further thanking the government for funding the Tribunal’s activities.

Meanwhile, in her speech, Karugonjo-Segawa highlighted all the achievements of the Tribunal including meeting its commitment to the public through its Client Service Charter.

“In this regard, the Tribunal promptly handled pleadings within a timeframe of 10 minutes of being filed, the Tribunal Processes were served within three days, decisions delivered within 10 days of being heard, and decisions communicated to the authorized person three days after the ruling,” she said.

She also revealed that the LCT this year disseminated its key strategic documents such as the Adjudication Compendium, which has the Court Users Guidelines; and the Strategic Plan 2020/2021-2024/2025 to its stakeholders.

“The Tribunal has therefore made progress towards fighting corruption by holding errant public leaders and officers accountable,” the LCT chairperson said, further promising that the Tribunal will remain committed to the anti-corruption fight and that it will ensure continuous improvement in the delivery of its services.

In his brief remarks, the Tribunal deputy chairperson, Asuman Kiyingi noted that there is a need to create safeguards for the Tribunal as it is for other anti-corruption agencies in the country such as the Auditor General and the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) to ensure that the institution executes its mandate without fear or favour.

Created under Articles 234 and 235A and statutorily established under Section 19A of the Leadership Code Act, 2002 as amended, the LCT mandate is to hear and determine cases of breach of the Leadership Code of Conduct.