IGG probes 255 corruption cases in Teso, Soroti tops list

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The Inspectorate of Government (IG) Soroti office is currently investigating 255 active cases of alleged corruption across the Teso Region.

Teddy Chemutai Awor, Head of the Soroti IG office, revealed the extent of the cases during an engagement with Soroti City staff and political leaders.

The meeting, aimed at raising awareness about corruption, was spearheaded by Christine Lamwaka, Manager for Advocacy and Capacity Building, accompanied by Supervisor for Project Monitoring and Control, Tom Edong, and Advocacy Officer Joseph Muramuzi.

While releasing the figures, Awor explained that from 2021 to date, 135 of the cases fall under the Anti-Corruption mandate.

These include allegations of embezzlement, fraud, bribery, and other related offences.

The remaining 120 cases fall under the Ombudsman function and involve issues such as non-payment of salaries, pension and gratuity delays, and victimisation at the workplace.

According to Awor, Soroti District leads with the highest number of registered cases, followed by Kumi and other districts in the region.

During the engagement, Edong noted that the IG has inspected and monitored over 200 government projects across the Teso Region.

He mentioned that during a monitoring visit to Soroti University, several issues were identified, including the alleged shoddy construction of a tank stand, which is now under investigation.

During a separate community engagement with local leaders and residents in Gweri sub-county, locals presented strong suggestions to the IG team.

Some people proposed that individuals found guilty of corruption should face the death penalty.

Former senior police officer Nathan Okurut, commonly known as "Bad Man," urged the government to prioritise the welfare of police personnel as a way of curbing corruption within the force.

Lamwaka appealed to the community to support the IG's anti-corruption efforts. She cautioned against unlawful proposals and instead encouraged citizens to follow legal and civic channels in holding public officials accountable.

During the meeting with city officials, Soroti City Mayor Joshua Edogu called on the IG officials to foster respectful and collaborative working relationships with local authorities.