The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has called for increased investment in specialised fraud examination skills, technology and intelligence-led investigations to strengthen the fight against fraud and corruption in Uganda.

The IGG made the call while officiating at the closing of the 4th Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Regional Fraud Conference 2026 at Marriott Hotel, Kampala this afternoon, under the theme, “Evolving Faster than the Fraudster: Elevating East Africa from Global Fraud Vulnerabilities.”

She observed that fraud is constantly evolving, with perpetrators becoming increasingly sophisticated, particularly through advances in technology, digital financial services and artificial intelligence. She noted that these developments have created new avenues for economic growth but have also increased opportunities for fraud, including cyber-enabled fraud, identity manipulation, complex financial transactions and procurement schemes.

The IGG emphasised that addressing these emerging threats requires institutions to move beyond conventional investigative approaches and invest in data analytics, digital forensics, intelligence-led investigations, asset tracing and continuous professional development.

She noted that fraud is not merely a technological challenge but also a governance and integrity concern, often enabled by weak internal controls, compromised leadership and poor ethical standards.

Highlighting the contribution of Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs) to the Inspectorate of Government's work, the IGG expressed appreciation for the specialised expertise they bring to the institution, noting that several major fraud cases involving substantial sums of money, particularly in local governments, had been investigated by them.

The IGG further revealed that the Inspectorate of Government (IG) and the ACFE Uganda Chapter will sign a Memorandum of Understanding next week to establish a framework for collaboration in fraud examination, investigation, prevention and professional development.

Lady Justice Naluzze emphasised that the fight against fraud and corruption cannot be left to enforcement institutions alone, calling for stronger internal controls, effective oversight, professional competence and a culture of integrity in both public and private institutions. 

She urged fraud examiners to uphold professional integrity, independence, objectivity, confidentiality and competence, while translating the knowledge gained at the conference into practical improvements within their respective institutions.

The President of the ACFE Uganda Chapter, Mr. George Turyamureeba Mugabi, CFE, revealed that Uganda currently has 160 fully certified fraud examiners, of whom 12 are from the IG.

Mr. Mugabi cautioned against waiting for fraud to occur before taking action, observing that investigating fraud is an expensive and time-consuming undertaking. He called upon citizens to take an active role in reporting fraud and urged professionals, particularly fraud examiners, to take the lead in educating and sensitising the public on fraud prevention.

He noted that although incidents of fraud are often detected at lower levels of organisations, the financial losses associated with fraud at senior management levels are significantly higher. He observed that perpetrators at the top take as much as nine times more than those at lower levels.

He further emphasised the importance of evidence-based investigations and adherence to the law, noting that securing evidence and following due process must take precedence over simply effecting arrests.

Citing global fraud reporting trends, Mr. Mugabi observed that approximately 43 percent of reported fraud cases worldwide are detected through tips, underscoring the importance of whistleblowing and public participation in exposing wrongdoing.

The two-day conference brought together fraud examination professionals, representatives of government institutions, the private sector and civil society to exchange knowledge, share experiences and explore strategies for strengthening responses to emerging fraud threats.

The fight against corruption requires a united front. This was the key message as Heads of Institutions and anti-corruption stakeholders convened at the Inspectorate of Government on Friday, 13th November 2026, to coordinate joint preparations for the 2026 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), under the leadership of the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala.

The Heads of Institutions approved the proposed commemoration theme, “No More Sleep, No More Corruption: Collective Action and Accountability for Effective Service Delivery and Socio-Economic Transformation,”  without amendments.

The IGG emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional partnerships and collective responsibility in combating corruption, noting that meaningful progress requires coordinated action, shared commitment and sustained engagement from all stakeholders.

The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, proposed a joint community cleaning exercise involving participating institutions and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The proposal was welcomed by members, who emphasised that the exercise should be meaningful and impactful, providing an opportunity for institutional cooperation, corporate social responsibility, networking and direct engagement with communities.

The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brigadier General Henry Isoke, underscored that the fight against corruption is not the responsibility of one institution but a collective mission that requires stakeholders to work together to achieve meaningful results.

Similarly, the Chairperson of the Leadership Code Tribunal, Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo-Segawa, emphasised the need for increased public relations and advocacy initiatives to influence public mindsets and perceptions towards the fight against corruption.

The Executive Director of Transparency International Uganda, Mr. Peter Wandera, highlighted ongoing research to establish Uganda's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) performance. He explained that the index draws on independent data sources and uses a scale of zero to 100. He encouraged institutions to strengthen collaboration, improve the availability and quality of credible data, and support evidence-based interventions that can contribute to improving Uganda's performance.

Members further agreed on the proposed activities outlined in the concept note, with adjustments to the implementation schedule to strengthen coordination and ensure meaningful participation by all stakeholders.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to appreciate the Inspectorate of Government's Anti-Corruption Anthem, composed in Kiswahili. Members commended the anthem for its patriotic appeal and regional significance, pledging to give it greater visibility and wider dissemination through the planned IACD activities. They noted that its Kiswahili composition gives it a regional identity and makes it an important tool for promoting collective commitment against corruption.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strong institutional partnerships, sustained public engagement and collective responsibility in promoting integrity, transparency and accountability.

Through the leadership of Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, the Inspectorate of Government continues to strengthen partnerships and mobilise stakeholders towards a coordinated national response to corruption.

Together, we can build a more accountable society where integrity is everyone's responsibility.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, together with the Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG), Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, attended the Inaugural Professorial Lecture and Book Launch of Professor Christopher Mbazira at Makerere University, celebrating his distinguished contribution to legal scholarship, research and the development of Uganda's constitutional jurisprudence.

The event, held under the theme, “Uganda@64 and the Exercise of Judicial Power for Constitutional Transformation: Examining the Gains and Lost Opportunities,” brought together members of the judiciary, academia, legal practitioners and other stakeholders to reflect on the role of judicial power in shaping Uganda's constitutional development and democratic governance.

The lecture was presided over by Hon. Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda, who also officiated at the launch of Professor Mbazira's book titled “Judicial Power, Politics and Constitutional Transformation in Uganda: Walking in and outside the Constitution.

SUPPORTING SCHOLARSHIP, STRENGTHENING ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

The participation of the IGG and DIGG underscores the Inspectorate of Government's recognition of the important relationship between academic scholarship, the rule of law, institutional accountability and good governance.

As an institution constitutionally mandated to promote and foster strict adherence to the rule of law and principles of natural justice, alongside combating corruption, abuse of authority and public office, the Inspectorate recognises the importance of research, intellectual engagement and independent scholarship in strengthening public institutions and advancing democratic governance.

The attendance of the IGG and DIGG also reflects the Inspectorate's appreciation of the role played by universities, researchers and legal scholars in shaping a society grounded in integrity, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

The Inspectorate of Government congratulates Professor Christopher Mbazira on this significant academic milestone and recognises his continued contribution to legal scholarship, mentorship and the advancement of constitutional governance in Uganda.