More prosecutions next year, says IGG

THE Inspector General of Government (IGG), Mr. Jotham Tumwesigye, has warned of more prosecutions next year saying the inspectorate has been expanded and the staff have become more vigilant against the corrupt, reports John Eremu. Tumwesigye said his organisation had done well this year despite constraints like understaffing and poor facilitation particularly in transport. He said the inspectorate had expanded to seven regional offices with the staffing increasing from 100 four years ago to about 300 this year. "It has been generally a good year," Tumwesigye said during an end of year staff party at fairway Hotel recently. "In 1999 we were prosecuting about 20 cases but now we are prosecuting over 40 cases. We hope to prosecute even more next year. I hope we shall even score more successes by way of conviction," Tumwesigye said. He said they had achieved a lot by trapping people with bribes. Tumwesigye said although the inspectorate had done well, "there were some people who were tarnishing its image retarding its progress." He warned the staff against leaking information to the public saying it violated their oath of secrecy. "Recently we were criticised not only by the public but by the Head-of-State for leaking information," Tumwesigye said. "I therefore appeal to all of you to be more disciplined. You all swore the oath of secrecy and please be loyal to it," he said. Thirteen staff members received gifts for their exemplary service. The ceremony was attended by, among others, the Deputy IGG, Mr. David Psomgen and the Inspectorate secretary Mr. Martin Olobo. Ends.