KAMPALA -- The head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, has directed local government leaders to tighten accountability systems, strengthen oversight and take firm action against corrupt officials to improve service delivery.
Speaking during a meeting of local government leaders in Kampala on Wednesday, Isoke said corruption remains one of the biggest obstacles to effective governance and called for stronger internal controls, transparent management of public resources and swift enforcement against those implicated in graft.
The meeting, held at Imperial Royale Hotel, brought together Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), district chairpersons, chief administrative officers, chairpersons of district service commissions and other local government officials.
It was convened by the Ministry of Local Government to discuss the implementation of President Yoweri Museveni's directives on exposing and eliminating corruption.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Isoke said accountability must remain the cornerstone of public service, urging political leaders to strengthen oversight of government programmes while directing technical officers to ensure public resources are managed in accordance with the law.
He called on local governments to strengthen supervision and performance management systems and promptly implement recommendations arising from audits, Public Accounts Committee reports and official investigations.
"Corruption must be met with decisive action, including disciplinary measures, prosecution where appropriate and recovery of misappropriated public resources," Isoke said.
He also challenged local governments to make planning, budgeting, procurement, financial management and recruitment processes more transparent, arguing that openness is one of the strongest safeguards against corruption.
Isoke urged public institutions to embrace technology to improve records management and public access to information, while insisting that recruitment into the public service must remain merit-based to eliminate bribery, nepotism, conflicts of interest and political interference.
He further said local governments would ultimately be judged by the quality of services delivered to citizens, calling on leaders to closely monitor government projects, ensure value for money and guarantee timely completion of public works.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
The SH-ACU chief stressed that defeating corruption requires coordinated action among accountability institutions and called for closer collaboration between local governments and agencies responsible for enforcing the law.
He specifically urged stronger cooperation with the Inspectorate of Government, the Office of the Auditor General, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Uganda Police Force, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, the Internal Security Organisation, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority, the Financial Intelligence Authority, the Ministry of Local Government and RDC structures.
According to Isoke, these institutions should strengthen information sharing, conduct joint inspections and investigations, and work within their respective mandates to improve enforcement against corruption.
He also commended Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara for reviving the Expose the Corrupt National Campaign, describing it as a timely initiative that could strengthen accountability and intensify the fight against corruption in local governments.
Isoke urged local government leaders to support the campaign by safeguarding public resources, improving service delivery and rebuilding public confidence in government institutions.
He also encouraged citizens to actively monitor government programmes and report suspected cases of corruption through established reporting channels.
