Kampala– The Head of State House Anti Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) , Brig Gen Henry Isoke, has called on Local Government leaders across Uganda to strengthen accountability, promote transparency and improve service delivery in the fight against corruption.
Brig Gen Isoke made the call while addressing Local Government leaders at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala, on invitation of the Minister of Local Government, Hon.Balaam Barugahare Ateenyi, to engage stakeholders on the implementation of H.E. the President’s directives on exposing and eliminating corruption in Uganda.
The engagement brought together Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Chairpersons, District Service Commission Chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers, technical officers and other Local Government leaders from across the country.
In his presentation, Brig Gen Isoke described accountability as the cornerstone of effective governance and public trust. He urged political leaders to provide effective oversight of Government programmes, while technical officers should ensure public resources are managed in accordance with the law and that Government programmes deliver tangible results.
He further called on Local Government leaders to strengthen internal controls, supervision and performance management, and to swiftly implement recommendations arising from audits, Public Accounts Committees and investigations. He stressed that corruption should be met with decisive action, including disciplinary measures, prosecution where appropriate and the recovery of misappropriated public resources.
The Brig Isoke also identified transparency as one of the most effective safeguards against corruption. He urged the Local Government leaders to promote openness in planning, budgeting, procurement, financial management and recruitment, while capitalizing on technology to improve records management and public access to Government information.
He further emphasised the need for merit-based recruitment and strict adherence to established procedures to eliminate bribery, nepotism, conflict of interest and political interference in public service.
Brig Gen Isoke noted that the true measure of good governance is the quality of services delivered to citizens. He therefore called on Local Government leaders to strengthen supervision of Government programmes and projects, ensure value for money and guarantee the timely completion of public projects.
He stressed that corruption cannot be effectively tackled by a single institution and called for stronger collaboration among Local Governments, accountability institutions and law enforcement agencies, including State House Anti Corruption Unit, Inspectorate General of Government (IGG), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Uganda Police, Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Internal Security Organization (ISO), PPDA Uganda, Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), Ministry of Local Government and RDC Structures.
He urged these institutions to share information promptly, facilitate investigations, conduct joint monitoring and inspections, and work within their respective mandates.
Brig Gen Isoke commended Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi for reigniting the “Expose the Corrupt National Campaign,” describing it as a timely initiative that will strengthen accountability and intensify the fight against corruption within Local Governments.
He called on all Local Government leaders to support the campaign by faithfully executing their constitutional and statutory responsibilities to safeguard public resources, improve service delivery and restore public confidence in Government institutions. He also encouraged citizens to actively monitor Government programmes, demand accountability and report suspected corruption through the established reporting channels.
