IG enlists citizens’ help in fighting corruption

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The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has started enlisting the help of the public in fighting corruption in the country.

The institution's Directorate of Research, Education and Advocacy on Monday (March 9) kicked off a week-long anti-corruption engagement programme in the sub-regions of Busoga, Teso and Karamoja.

In a statement posted on the X platform, it said this is a strategy to raise awareness about the dangers of corruption and enlist citizen support in the fight against the vice.

The IG also said these engagements are part of a wider awareness strategy aimed at reaching every citizen within their communities and encouraging them to take ownership of the fight against corruption.

Under this strategy, the institution empowers citizens on how to identify corruption and report it.

The IG said these engagements are part of a wider awareness strategy aimed at reaching every citizen within their communities and encouraging them to take ownership of the fight against corruption. (Courtesy photo)

During this week’s engagements, its teams will initiate integrity ambassador clubs in selected schools and launch those that are already established, organise barazas (meetings) with communities and build the capacity of both state and non-state actors to fight corruption.

It explained that an integrity club is intended to instil ethical leadership by encouraging accountability, transparency and honesty within schools and the broader community.

"Through these clubs, the IG seeks to shape the mindset of the youth to become a beacon of a new generation anchored on strong values that respect accountability and the rule of law," it said.

An Integrity Ambassadors Club at Busoga High School in Kamuli district was launched.

Sh9.7 trillion lost annually

The IG’s latest report shows that Uganda loses about sh9.7 trillion annually to corruption, mainly through non-declaration and under-declaration of taxes, employees getting paid yet they do not work, inflated payrolls and botched procurement processes, among others.

According to the latest Police crime report, a total of 13,132 cases of economic and corruption crimes were reported in 2024 compared to 12,924 cases in 2023, representing a 1.6% increase in this crime category.

Obtaining money by false pretence registered the highest number of cases in this crime category in 2023, with 10,449 cases, followed by forgeries and uttering documents with 894 cases and counterfeiting with 209 cases.

By the end of 2024, out of the total cases of economic and corruption crimes reported to the police, 3,494 cases were taken to court, 3,494 cases were not proceeded with, while 6,856 cases were still under inquiry.

Out of the total cases taken to court, 1,016 cases secured convictions, 64 cases were acquitted, 416 cases were dismissed, while 1,998 cases were still pending in court.