By Spy Uganda
The son of late Amos Kaguta and Esiteri Kokundeka, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Hon. Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala as the new Inspector General of Government (IGG), replacing very controversial Beti Olive Namisango Kamya-Turomwe (BONKT), whose tenure has been marred by a series of controversies and administrative confrontations.
According to reliable State House sources, Justice Batala’s appointment takes immediate effect, while Kamya’s removal reportedly follows mounting concerns over her handling of sensitive corruption investigations and alleged interference with court processes. The two Deputy IGGs — Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria and Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe retain their positions to ensure institutional continuity.
Why Kamya Was Dropped
Beti Kamya’s tenure at the helm of the IGG has been riddled with tension, both internally within the Inspectorate and externally with other government organs. Her ouster reportedly stems from a combination of factors, key among them being:
1. Interference with Court Orders: Kamya came under intense scrutiny after she allegedly arm-twisted judicial directives and ordered for the arrest of Baker Mugaino, the Commissioner for Land Registration, in defiance of a subsisting court order. Legal observers and human rights advocates sharply criticized the move as a blatant overreach of the IGG’s mandate.
2. Conflict with the Lands Ministry: During her tenure, Kamya was accused of meddling in the internal operations of the Ministry of Lands, the very institution she once headed as minister, by reopening old investigations and targeting specific officials with questionable motives.
3. Political Baggage: Analysts have also linked Kamya’s dismissal to her political inconsistencies. Once a staunch opposition figure, she founded the Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA), a party she later abandoned to join the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Her ideological shifts and perceived opportunism reportedly eroded confidence in her impartiality as a national anti-graft watchdog.
4. Public Image and Accountability Questions: Kamya’s leadership faced criticism over alleged selective investigations, favoritism in handling corruption complaints, and perceived inefficiency in executing high-profile inquiries.
Background: From Lands Minister to IGG
Beti Kamya, who previously served as the Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, was appointed as the IGG in July 2021. Her appointment followed years of public service and political activism, spanning from her days as a fiery legislator representing Rubaga North to her tenure in the opposition before crossing over to the NRM.
Her time at the IGG was initially marked by vigor and promise — with vows to “cleanse the public service of corruption.” However, as months rolled on, her leadership style, often described as “combative and unilateral,” drew friction with key government entities and the judiciary.
Who Is Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala?
The new IGG, Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, is a respected jurist with over two decades of experience in Uganda’s judiciary. Before her appointment, she served as a High Court Judge in the Anti-Corruption Division, where she earned a reputation for integrity, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law.
Justice Batala holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre (LDC). She also pursued advanced training in judicial administration and anti-corruption strategies under various international programs.
Her appointment is widely viewed as an effort by President Museveni to restore public trust in the Inspectorate of Government, following years of waning confidence under Kamya’s stewardship.
The Deputies Remain
Justice Batala will work closely with her two deputies — Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, an expert in governance and policy development, and Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, a seasoned legal professional with a strong background in public administration. Both deputies were appointed in 2021 and have been credited with maintaining operational discipline within the Inspectorate amid turbulence at the top.
What Lies Ahead
Justice Batala’s immediate task will be to rebuild the IGG’s credibility, strengthen coordination with other accountability institutions, and demonstrate zero tolerance for political interference in anti-corruption enforcement.
Her appointment signals what insiders describe as “a quiet but decisive reset” in Museveni’s anti-corruption strategy — one that aims to blend judicial integrity with administrative discipline.
