Prisons cadets urged to uphold integrity

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The Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), Dr Patricia Achan Okiria, has urged senior cadet Prisons officers to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability in public service.

Speaking at the Prisons Training School in Luzira, Kampala, Dr Okiria, on September 17, 2025, emphasised that public office is a trust held on behalf of the citizens of Uganda.

“People holding public offices are servants of the state and must be answerable to the people,” she said. Her presentation was titled: Public financing, accountability, and the role of the IGG.

Dr Okiria warned against the dangers of accepting bribes, stressing that compromises on personal values can distort decision-making.

Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), Dr Patricia Achan Okiria poses for photo with senior cadet Prisons officers at the Prisons Training School in Luzira, Kampala. (Courtesy photo)

“Have strong moral principles. When you have integrity, you do not need to be watched; you stand by your principles,” she said. 

Reports from the IGG show that corruption costs Uganda an estimated sh10 trillion annually. During the second half of 2024, the Inspectorate recovered sh4.2b in assets, a significant rise from the shillings 2.3 billion recovered in the first half of the year. These assets included cash, land and buildings.

However, the total amount ordered for recovery during January to June was higher at sh15.7b compared to sh8b for July to December. The IGG has called for fast-tracking the development of the Anti-Corruption (Confiscation and Recovery Orders) Rules, 2025, to enhance conviction-based recoveries.

Okiria cited cases of corruption that include mismanagement of funds for roads, hospitals and health centres; theft of drugs and teachers failing to attend classes. She said these issues undermine service delivery and national development. An accomplished lawyer with experience in human rights law, legislative drafting, and regulatory compliance, Okiria highlighted the importance of public financing and accountability for the effective use of resources.

She stressed transparency as a key pillar in building public trust and fostering good governance. She explained the IGG’s mandate to enforce the Leadership Code and investigate misconduct, including mechanisms, such as investigations and asset declarations.

The IGG acts as both a watchdog and an enforcer, ensuring that public officials in Uganda adhere to ethical standards, maintain transparency and serve citizens with integrity.

The IGG ensures public officials follow the Leadership Code, which sets standards of honesty, integrity and proper use of resources. It investigates misconduct, abuse of office and corruption; reviews annual asset declarations to detect conflicts of interest and can recommend disciplinary action or prosecution.

The IGG also provides training to promote ethical leadership and advises the Government on policies to curb corruption and strengthen good governance. Okiria described the discussion as “great” and expressed her pleasure at engaging with senior cadet officers on such a critical topic. Her interaction underscored the IGG’s role in promoting ethical leadership and curbing corruption in public institutions. Cadet officer Kobusinge said Okiria’s lecture was highly inspiring.

“Her advice on leading with integrity truly resonated with me. I have learned principles that I will carry forward in my career,” she said.

Maureen Ninsiima noted that the session reinforced the cornerstone principles of accountability, including transparency, commitment, integrity, teamwork and professionalism. They thanked Okiria for her well-delivered lecture.