By Spy Uganda
The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brig Gen Henry Isoke, has challenged Local Government leaders across Uganda to strengthen accountability, embrace transparency and improve service delivery as part of renewed efforts to eliminate corruption in public institutions.
Brig Gen Isoke made the remarks while addressing Local Government officials at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala during a high-level engagement convened by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. The meeting focused on the implementation of President Yoweri Museveni’s directives on exposing and eliminating corruption across the country.
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 Uganda.
Addressing the gathering, Brig Gen Isoke described accountability as the foundation of effective governance and public trust, urging both political and technical leaders to play their respective roles in safeguarding public resources.
He called on political leaders to provide effective oversight of government programmes, while tasking technical officers with ensuring that public funds are managed in accordance with the law and that government projects deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
The SH-ACU boss further urged Local Governments to strengthen internal controls, supervision and performance management, while ensuring that recommendations from audits, Public Accounts Committees and investigations are implemented without delay.
According to Brig Gen Isoke, corruption should be met with firm action, including disciplinary measures, criminal prosecution where necessary and the recovery of misappropriated public funds.
He also underscored transparency as one of the strongest safeguards against corruption, encouraging Local Government leaders to promote openness in planning, budgeting, procurement, financial management and recruitment processes.
Brig Gen Isoke urged districts to leverage technology to improve records management and enhance public access to government information. He also stressed the importance of merit-based recruitment and strict adherence to established procedures to eliminate bribery, nepotism, conflicts of interest and political interference in public service.
He noted that the true measure of good governance lies in the quality of services delivered to citizens, calling on leaders to strengthen supervision of government programmes, ensure value for money and guarantee the timely completion of public projects.
Brig Gen Isoke further emphasized that tackling corruption requires coordinated action among government institutions. He called for stronger collaboration between Local Governments and accountability agencies, including the Inspectorate of Government, Office of the Auditor General, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Police Force, Criminal Investigations Directorate, Internal Security Organisation, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority, Financial Intelligence Authority, the Ministry of Local Government and RDC structures.
He urged the institutions to enhance information sharing, support investigations, conduct joint monitoring and inspections, and work within their respective mandates to strengthen accountability.
Brig Gen Isoke also commended Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi for reviving the “Expose the Corrupt National Campaign,” describing it as a timely initiative that will reinforce accountability and intensify the fight against corruption within Local Governments.
He appealed to all Local Government leaders to support the campaign by faithfully executing their constitutional and statutory responsibilities, protecting public resources, improving service delivery and restoring public confidence in government institutions.
Brig Gen Isoke also encouraged citizens to actively monitor government programmes, demand accountability from public officials and report suspected cases of corruption through the established reporting channels.
