Only 30 %  of Kabale civil servants declare assets ahead of deadline

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The Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG), Dr Patricia Achan Okiria, has directed all government civil servants in Greater Kabale to comply with the asset declaration exercise, warning that failure to do so will attract strict penalties.

The exercise, which began on April 1, is scheduled to close on April 30, 2026, and is a mandatory requirement aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity within the public service.

During a meeting with public officers at Kabale Rukiiko Hall at the district headquarters, Dr Achan emphasised that wealth declaration remains a critical tool in the fight against corruption and in strengthening public trust in government institutions.

“This exercise is not optional. It is a legal obligation for all public officers and leaders. Compliance is essential if we are to build a transparent and accountable public service,” she said on Tuesday.

Civil servants during the meeting

Despite the importance of the exercise, Dr Achan revealed that compliance levels in Kabale District remain low, with only about 30 percent of civil servants having completed their declarations, even as the deadline approaches.

She attributed the low turnout to a number of challenges, including technical difficulties and loss of login credentials, such as email addresses and phone numbers required to access the declaration system.

She advised affected officers to seek support from district focal persons, who have been assigned to assist in resolving such issues.

Dr Achan stressed that all civil servants are required to fully disclose their sources of income, including salaries, allowances, rental earnings, business income, farming proceeds, and any other side earnings.

She noted that accurate and honest declarations help government track illicit enrichment and prevent abuse of office.

She further explained that the process is guided by the Leadership Code Act, Cap 33, which requires political leaders to declare their assets and liabilities every two years in March.

In addition, Section 5 of the same law mandates all public officers to submit declarations of income, assets, and liabilities to the Inspector General of Government every five years in April.

Dr Achan warned that public servants who fail to meet the deadline risk facing disciplinary action. She outlined possible penalties, including fines, official cautions, and demotion, emphasising that the IGG’s office will not tolerate non-compliance.

Kabale Resident District Commissioner, Retired Major Godfrey Katamba, expressed concern over the low level of participation and called for an extension of the exercise to give more civil servants an opportunity to comply.

“Many officers have not yet declared their assets. Extending the deadline would ensure that all public servants meet this important requirement,” Katamba said.

He added that district authorities will continue to mobilise and sensitise civil servants on the importance of declaring their wealth, noting that the exercise is key to promoting accountability and restoring public confidence in government institutions.

Meanwhile, officials coordinating the exercise at the district level have also highlighted challenges with the online declaration system, citing delays and technical difficulties that have hindered the smooth submission of information.

As the April 30 deadline draws closer, authorities are urging all public servants to act promptly and fulfil their legal obligations, warning that failure to comply could have serious consequences for their careers.