By Aggrey Baba
[He who hides his wealth invites suspicion], and this seems to be the case for hundreds of civil servants who have failed to declare their assets as required by law, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in public service.
Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, the Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), has revealed that at least 300 government officials have been forwarded to the Leadership Code Tribunal for failing to account for their wealth last year. Some of these officials have already had their properties confiscated, while others face fines or warnings.
According to Okiria, public servants are legally required to declare their income, assets, and liabilities to ensure that their wealth matches their known sources of income. “Declaration helps curb corruption by increasing transparency and accountability among leaders,” she emphasized.
The Inspectorate of Government (IG) expects about 28,000 civil servants, including the President, ministers, Members of Parliament, and local government leaders, to file their wealth declarations this year.
The process, which began on March 1, will run until March 30, with all submissions made electronically.
Okiria noted that some officials who failed to declare their wealth did so out of ignorance, while others had long retired or passed away. However, for those who deliberately ignored the law, there will be consequences. “Some properties are already being prepared for disposal because their owners failed to explain how they acquired them,” she revealed.
Verification of declared wealth involves checking bank accounts, conducting property searches, and physically inspecting assets. The IG is required to complete this process within 90 working days and submit reports within three months.
If an official is found to have breached the law, their case is referred to the Leadership Code Tribunal for further action.
With public servants once again required to declare their wealth, the IG has urged all leaders to comply, reminding them that honesty in governance is not an option but a duty.
As the saying goes, “a clear conscience fears no accusation,” those with nothing to hide should have no problem declaring their assets. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
