Deputy IGG Calls Upon Cabinet Ministers To Maintain Vigilant Oversight But Refrain From Interfering With Operational Processes
June 18, 2026
Cabinet Ministers should strengthen their
oversight role to ensure accountability and the effective implementation of
government programmes and institutions. However, they must deliberately avoid
involvement in day-to-day operational processes to prevent conflicts of
interest that could create opportunities for corruption.
This advice came from the Deputy
Inspector General of Government (DIGG), Mrs. Anne Muhairwe.
The DIGG made these remarks while
delivering a presentation to newly appointed Cabinet Ministers during their
induction retreat.
The presentation focused on
"The Mandate of the Inspectorate of Government and the Role of the
Executive in the Fight Against Corruption." The retreat is currently
underway at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, where
discussions are centered on strengthening governance, accountability, and
public service delivery.
Drawing the ministers' attention
to the "Eyes-on, Hands-off" principle, Mrs. Muhairwe urged them to
exercise oversight while upholding the integrity of established legal and
administrative processes.
She cautioned that any erosion of
these safeguards could undermine years of institutional progress and create
opportunities for corrupt officials to exploit systemic weaknesses, thereby
jeopardising the gains the government has achieved over time.
"The law assigns the
responsibility of recruitment processes, procurement award decisions, and other
day-to-day administrative functions to accounting officers. Where a Minister
identifies wrongdoing, the appropriate action is to refer the matter to the
competent authority rather than assume functions assigned to others," she
said.
Mrs. Muhairwe underscored the
importance of balancing robust oversight with strict adherence to institutional
processes, stressing that the two are complementary pillars of good governance.
She warned that treating them as
separate or competing functions undermines anti-corruption efforts, as
corruption largely flourishes where systems, controls, and accountability
mechanisms have weakened or collapsed.
"Strong oversight and
respect for institutional processes must go hand in hand. A minister who
remains independent retains the moral authority necessary to supervise others
and demand accountability," she said.
She further explained that the
success of government programmes rests heavily on strong and proactive
political leadership. Ministers must regularly step beyond their offices and
carry out site visits to ensure that citizens are benefitting from the
programmes.
"Political leadership
becomes more meaningful when it translates into visible improvements in the
lives of people. Ministers must ask questions. They must challenge poor
performance. They must insist on results," Mrs. Muhairwe said.
In essence, effective oversight
serves as a spotlight, illuminating gaps and weaknesses in the implementation
of government programmes. By bringing these shortcomings to the fore, it holds
public officials accountable for their stewardship and inspires them to move
beyond mere compliance, becoming active champions in the fight against
corruption and guardians of public trust.
She reminded ministers that
Ugandans judge their government not by promises, but by the tangible results
they see in their daily lives. Hence, there is a need to strengthen oversight
of public service delivery through regular monitoring and evaluation.
Her message was a compelling call
to duty, urging the ministers to look beyond the privileges of office and
reflect deeply on the responsibility they bear toward the nation.
She challenged them to place the
interests of citizens above personal ambitions, reminding them that public
leadership is not about self-service, but about making meaningful contributions
to the country's progress and the well-being of its people.
In an environment where every
decision is subject to public scrutiny, the ministers will find in Mrs.
Muhairwe's counsel a guiding light—one that can help them navigate the demands
of leadership with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to
public service.
She was accompanied by IG Directors
Mrs. Annet Twine, Director Project Risk Monitoring and Control, Mr. Gerald
Gwaira, Director Research, Education and Advocacy and Mr. Kakooza Savio
Ntensibe, Director Ombudsman Affairs.