The Inspectorate of Government (IG) participated in the International Expert Meeting on Asset Return and Sustainable Development, dubbed “Addis 5,” held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 6th to 8th October 2026.

Organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the meeting was part of the Addis Process, which provides a platform for international dialogue and cooperation on asset return and its contribution to sustainable development. It built on four previous expert meetings held in Addis Ababa in 2017, 2019 and 2024, and in Nairobi in 2022.

The meeting brought together representatives from 28 countries to exchange experiences and information on asset recovery and return cases, examine their impact on sustainable development, review draft guidelines for international organisations involved in asset returns, and strengthen cooperation among countries handling ongoing cases.

Discussions focused on implementing the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), particularly in tracing and returning stolen assets across jurisdictions. Participants emphasised the importance of ensuring that returned assets benefit the original victims of corruption and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), rather than simply being transferred to national treasuries without adequate safeguards against possible re-embezzlement.

The meeting also explored opportunities to reinvest recovered assets in anti-corruption initiatives and asset recovery programmes, as well as the role of international organisations in supporting these efforts and civil society organisations in strengthening transparency and accountability.

Other areas of discussion included draft guidelines for international organisations involved in asset returns, a proposed asset recovery template, and mechanisms for reinvesting recovered funds in anti-corruption and asset recovery initiatives.

Uganda was represented by a delegation from the Inspectorate of Government, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Directorate for Ethics and Integrity in the Office of the President. The IG was represented by Dr. Ernest Katwesigye, Assistant Director, Asset Recovery.

The Ugandan delegation shared the country’s experience in managing recovered assets to support national development priorities. The delegation explained that recovered funds are channelled through an asset recovery account before being transferred to the Consolidated Fund to support Government priorities.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for the Ugandan delegation to establish and strengthen partnerships with international counterparts, particularly in cross-border asset tracing, investigation and recovery.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Ugandan delegation paid a courtesy call on the Embassy of Uganda in Addis Ababa, where they met the First Secretary, Ms. Daphine Teddy Nyanduri. During the visit, Dr. Katwesigye briefed her on the Inspectorate’s commemoration of International Ombuds Day and highlighted the importance of the Ombudsman function in addressing maladministration and promoting administrative justice.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala and Deputy IGG, Ms. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, engaged students of St. Mary’s College Kisubi in an inspiring interaction on integrity, leadership, and responsible citizenship.

The students, who are members of the school’s Integrity Club, are also part of the editorial team of the school's  magazine - The Eagle. They visited the Inspectorate to interview the Deputy IGG for an article in the school magazine.

Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala encouraged the students to work hard, remain disciplined,  and uphold integrity, emphasising that the values cultivated at school help shape responsible citizens and future leaders.

Deputy IGG, Mrs. Muhairwe urged the students to strive for excellence in everything they do, distinguish themselves, and stand out through their character, competence, and contribution. 

She encouraged them to build meaningful networks and relationships, noting that while academic qualifications are important, qualifications alone can only take one so far. "Excellence, integrity, good character, and the ability to build relationships can open doors and create opportunities throughout their careers."

She also encouraged the students to embrace integrity in their daily lives and use their influence as Integrity Club members to promote ethical conduct among their peers in their school and communities.

The interaction gave the students an opportunity to learn more about the mandate and work of the Inspectorate of Government and engage directly with its leadership.

The Inspectorate continues to support school Integrity Clubs as platforms for nurturing young champions of integrity, accountability, excellence, and responsible leadership.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) is participating in the 52nd Task Force of Senior Officials Meeting of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) being held at the Kigali Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda, from 30th August to 5th September 2026.

The meeting, hosted by the Government of Rwanda, is being held under the theme “From Technical Compliance to Demonstrable Outcomes: Strengthening Effective AML/CFT/CPF Systems in Eastern and Southern Africa.” It brings together senior government officials and experts from legal, financial and law enforcement institutions across the region to deliberate on emerging challenges and strengthen regional efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF).

Uganda’s delegation comprises members of the National Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Task Force, with the Inspectorate of Government represented by Dr. Ernest Katwesigye, Assistant Director – Asset Recovery.

ESAAMLG is a regional body established to support the implementation of the 40 Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and strengthen measures against money laundering, terrorist financing and illicit financial flows among its 22 member countries.

The Senior Officials Task Force meets twice a year and provides a platform for member countries to review progress in implementing the FATF Standards, consider mutual evaluation reports, examine money laundering and terrorist financing typologies, identify technical assistance and training needs, and deliberate on emerging threats. The Task Force also makes technical recommendations to the ESAAMLG Council for consideration and approval.

Uganda was removed from the FATF grey list in 2024 after demonstrating significant progress in strengthening its AML/CFT framework and addressing identified deficiencies. The country is expected to undergo its third FATF/ESAAMLG Mutual Assessment in 2028. Unlike the previous which focused on technical compliance, this assessment will focus on Effectiveness, making sustained implementation and demonstration of effective outcomes critical. For the IG, this implies a focus on increased Money Laundering Investigations, Prosecutions, Asset Tracing and Recovery.

Uganda’s continued participation in ESAAMLG processes is therefore important in consolidating the gains made and ensuring that the country remains on course to meet international AML/CFT standards ahead of the 2028 assessment

The Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere, today paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, at her office.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the two leaders to engage on matters of mutual interest relating to accountability and the effective delivery of public services.

The IGG welcomed the Minister and underscored the importance of continued cooperation between the Inspectorate of Government and Ministry of Local Government in promoting good governance and strengthening accountability at the local government level.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Inspectors General of Government, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria and Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe.

The Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Government, Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, at her office.

The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including areas of collaboration between the Ministry and the Inspectorate of Government.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG) paid a courtesy call on the Country Director of ActionAid International Uganda, Mr. Samuel Ntale, at his office in Kansanga.

The two heads discussed areas of continued collaboration in the fight against corruption and the promotion of integrity, accountability and good governance in Uganda.

The discussions highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Inspectorate of Government and ActionAid International Uganda, particularly through joint anti-corruption initiatives.

These include the Anti-Corruption Caravan, which has traversed various regions of the country to raise public awareness and mobilize citizens against corruption and the National Citizens' Integrity Awards, an annual initiative that recognises and celebrates individuals and organisations that demonstrate exemplary integrity, accountability and outstanding service delivery.

The IGG and her host reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and advancing citizen engagement in the prevention and elimination of corruption in Uganda.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has recognised Ms. Lillian Binoga for her exceptional academic performance in Trial Advocacy during the 53rd Graduation Ceremony of the Law Development Centre (LDC).

Ms. Binoga, who scored an outstanding 90 percent in Trial Advocacy on the Bar Course for the Academic Year 2025/2026, received a plaque and a cash prize in recognition of her achievement.

She was among more than 1,500 graduands who were awarded qualifications during the ceremony.

The award was presented on behalf of the IGG by Ms. Hilda Talibba, Director of Legal Affairs at the Inspectorate of Government (IG).

The annual award is part of IG’s longstanding partnership with the LDC aimed at nurturing competent legal practitioners committed to upholding constitutionalism, justice and the rule of law.

The award also underscores the Inspectorate’s dedication to promoting transparency, accountability and the rule of law by encouraging outstanding performance in legal education and advocacy.

The collaboration between the IG and the LDC continues to play a significant role in shaping legal professionals capable of defending constitutional values and advancing justice for all Ugandans.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, today paid a courtesy call on the Executive Director of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Mr. Benson Turamye, at his office.

During the meeting, Mr. Turamye briefed the IGG on the mandate and some of the key functions of PPDA. He also introduced members of the Authority’s management team.

The Inspectorate of Government and PPDA are key partners in the fight against corruption and continue to collaborate in strengthening good governance and safeguarding public resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.

The Inspector General of Government and President of the Eastern Africa Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has today officially opened the 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for Eastern Africa (ARIN-EA) in Nairobi, Kenya.

The AGM brings together heads of anti-corruption institutions, investigators, prosecutors and partner organisations from across the region to strengthen cooperation in asset tracing, seizure and recovery. This year’s meeting is held under the theme: “Unmasking Beneficial Ownership in the Fight against Corruption and Recovery of Assets.” 

In her opening remarks, the IGG emphasized the growing threat posed by corruption and illicit financial flows to governance, development and justice systems. She underscored the critical role of asset recovery as a tool for accountability and highlighted the importance of transparency in beneficial ownership to enable effective investigations and recovery of illicit assets. 

The IGG also noted key achievements of ARIN-EA, including strengthened regional cooperation, capacity building for over 2,000 practitioners, development of mutual legal assistance guidelines and improved information-sharing mechanisms. At the same time, she called for enhanced coordination, timely responses to requests and sustained institutional commitment to improve effectiveness in asset recovery efforts.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Justice Dr. Lubega Farouq, the Senior Resident Judge of Mbale, at his chambers.

During the meeting, the IGG and her host discussed key issues on anti-corruption and explored avenues for strengthening collaboration in the fight against corruption.

The IGG was accompanied by the Director of Anti-Corruption, Mr. Lugolobi Robert; the Director of Ombudsman Affairs, Mr. Kakooza Savio Ntensibe; the Manager Human Resources, Mr. Paul Okello; the Supervisor, Strategic Partnerships and Public Relations, Mr. Farouk Kayondo and the Personal Assistant to the IGG, Mr. Muhammad Mwasa among others.