Ms. Winnie Jeptum Bargoria, Head of Office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Uganda, led a delegation that paid a courtesy visit on the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala.

The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two institutions and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to enhancing collective efforts in the prevention and elimination of corruption.

The discussions centred on exploring innovative and collaborative approaches through which UNODC and the Inspectorate of Government can address the increasingly sophisticated and evolving nature of corruption.

Particular emphasis was placed on developing effective mechanisms to detect, prevent, and combat complex corruption schemes, while also strengthening public awareness initiatives to highlight the far-reaching social and economic consequences of corruption and foster a culture of integrity and accountability.

The engagement further strengthens the IG’s commitment to building broad-based partnerships in the fight against corruption.

By fostering collaboration with key stakeholders, the IG continues to advance its mission of promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity as essential pillars for improved public service delivery and sustainable national development.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy IGG, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, Mr. Gerald Gwaira, Director Research, Education and Advocacy, Mr. Joseph Pincywa, Manager Strategy, Policy and Planning, and Hajjat Munira Ali, Manager Strategic Partnerships and Public Relations, and Mr. Muhammad Mwasa, Personal Assistant to the IGG.

Ms. Winnie Jeptum Bargoria, Head of Office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Uganda, led a delegation that paid a courtesy visit on the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala.

The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two institutions and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to enhancing collective efforts in the prevention and elimination of corruption.

The discussions centred on exploring innovative and collaborative approaches through which UNODC and the Inspectorate of Government can address the increasingly sophisticated and evolving nature of corruption.

Particular emphasis was placed on developing effective mechanisms to detect, prevent, and combat complex corruption schemes, while also strengthening public awareness initiatives to highlight the far-reaching social and economic consequences of corruption and foster a culture of integrity and accountability.

The engagement further strengthens the IG’s commitment to building broad-based partnerships in the fight against corruption.

By fostering collaboration with key stakeholders, the IG continues to advance its mission of promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity as essential pillars for improved public service delivery and sustainable national development.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy IGG, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, Mr. Gerald Gwaira, Director Research, Education and Advocacy, Mr. Joseph Pincywa, Manager Strategy, Policy and Planning, and Hajjat Munira Ali, Manager Strategic Partnerships and Public Relations, and Mr. Muhammad Mwasa, Personal Assistant to the IGG.

In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Inspectorate of Government has arrested Mr. Patrick Okello, the Commissioner for Refugee Management, together with five officers and a Pakistani national, over alleged involvement in extortion during the registration of refugees.

The other affected officers include; Mr. Asiimwe Douglas, Assistant Commissioner Refugee Management, Mugabe Geoffrey, Senior Settlement Commandant, Ekwap Noel, Head Information Technology, Bweme Henry, Registration Officer, and Nadiope Arnold, Refugee Status Interviewing Officer, and Mr. Zafar Ahamad, a Pakistani.

The arrests underscore the government's continued efforts to combat corruption and uphold integrity in public service delivery.

The suspects are expected to assist investigators as inquiries into the alleged extortion network continue.

According to preliminary investigations, Mr. Zafar Ahmad is alleged to have served as a broker linking OPM officials to refugees, playing a central role in coordinating transactions that whistleblowers believe formed part of the extortion scheme.

The arrests were preceded by a search operation conducted by the IG investigators, during which critical documents were recovered to support the ongoing investigations.

The suspects have since recorded statements as part of the inquiry process, as investigators work to establish the full extent of the alleged misconduct.