KAMPALA, Uganda — A silent battle is underway for the leadership of Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government (IGG) as the contracts for the current Inspector General of Government, Beti Kamya Turwomwe, and her two deputies are set to expire.
Ms. Kamya, who took office in September 2021, confirmed yesterday that she is open to a second four-year term if the appointing authority renews her contract. Her first term concludes next month.
“Of course, I will be available if given a second term. It’s a challenging job, but it brings satisfaction. You realize you can do a lot to help this country from the cancer of corruption,” Kamya said in a telephone interview.
Kamya, a former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, succeeded Irene Mulyagonja, who served two terms from 2012.
The two deputy IGGs, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria and Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, have also reportedly expressed interest in renewed appointments. While President Museveni, the appointing authority, can elevate either deputy to the top position, he also retains the prerogative to appoint someone from outside the current trio.
Sources close to the development indicate that the interested parties are lobbying through influential figures including Gen. Salim Saleh, President Museveni’s younger brother; First Lady Janet Museveni; and the President himself.
President Museveni recently publicly praised Ms. Muhairwe, stating at a thanksgiving ceremony for his wife’s 77th birthday that he does not regret appointing her as Deputy IGG. Speaking at UWESO Secondary School in Migeera, Nakasongola District, the President added he would not hesitate to appoint more “Christian lawyers” like Muhairwe to top government jobs, describing members of the Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity as fearless, clear-headed, and effective. He noted that the First Lady had recommended Muhairwe.
The IGG earns a monthly salary of Shs36 million, while the deputies earn Shs32 million.
Article 223(7) of the Constitution stipulates that the IGG and Deputy IGG shall hold office for a four-year term and are eligible for reappointment only once.
Both Dr. Achan Okiria and Ms. Muhairwe are described as staunch Christians and have held key leadership roles within the Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity. Ms. Muhairwe served as the association’s immediate past president. Sources suggest their affiliation with this association may have contributed to their appointments in 2021. President Museveni previously commended Ms. Muhairwe for her report on the Kiteezi landfill disaster, which led to the indictment of top Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) leadership.
Key Facts on the Inspectorate of Government (IG)
Founding: Established in 1988 by statute, the IGG’s mandate is now enshrined under Chapter 13 of the 1995 Uganda Constitution. Its vision is “A just and corruption-free Uganda.”
Independence: The IGG is an independent institution tasked with eliminating corruption, abuse of authority, and public office. Its powers include investigation, arrest, prosecution, issuing orders and directions, and conducting searches.
Mandate: Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution outline the IGG’s authority and independence. Its jurisdiction extends to public service officers, leaders, and other prescribed institutions. The office is accountable only to Parliament.
Functions: Key functions include promoting adherence to the rule of law and natural justice, and eliminating corruption and abuse of public office.
Profiles of the Candidates:
Beti Olive Kamya: The current IGG, she holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Makerere University and various professional trainings. Her career includes serving as Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development; Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs; Member of Parliament for Rubaga North; and executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. She espouses strong Christian values and emphasizes patriotism and honesty.
Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe: A Deputy IGG and lawyer, Ms. Muhairwe previously had a 16-year career at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, serving as a prosecutor and principal legal officer. She is credited with establishing the Veterans’ Legal Aid Clinic and contributing to frameworks for women’s participation in peacebuilding. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies from Makerere University, and is an Advocate of the High Court.
Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria: Also a Deputy IGG, Dr. Achan Okiria is an accomplished Christian lawyer with over 20 years of experience in human rights law, legislative drafting, corporate law, and governance. She holds a Doctorate of Law and a Master of Laws from the University of Pretoria, and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University. An Advocate of the High Court, she is the vice president of Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity and a member of the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers. She was instrumental in developing human rights manuals for various security forces.
