IGG cautions local govt officials against corruption

By Gloria Nakajubi

The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has cautioned local leaders against engaging in acts of corruption or risk being arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

While making a presentation during a sensitisation workshop for local government officials from Eastern Uganda, deputy IGG George Bamugemereire said the public has become more enlightened and therefore aware of such offices as IGG’s and its roles.

“People are very willing to provide information concerning any officer who they perceive to be acting contrary to the law and with such tips, our office is ready to investigate and bring out the truth,” said Bamugemereire.

Bamugemereire advised the officers to uphold such values as intergrity given the tempting situations they face in the course of their duties.

“In most cases you are put in charge of billions of shillings but you have to know that this money doesn’t belong to you but rather for effecting services to the population,” he added.

The workshop that was held in the eastern town of Mbale was attended by chief administration officers,town clerks, heads of district contract committees,procurement officers among others from the various districts in the region.

Cheborian Barishaki, Director Civil Litigation in the Attorney General’s office, noted that civil servants will always be held personally responsible for any losses incase its found out that the loss was due to carelessness.

Barishaki asked that participants to always come up and blow the whistle on politicians who interfere in their operations especially when it comes to awarding contracts.

The participants had earlier on complained of the increasing political interference where in most cases they have had to do away with legal guidelines in taking certain decisions.

“Politicians make a number of promises to supporters that fund their campaigns and after going through, they want to compensate them by influencing the contracts awards at the district,” said one CAO.