By Aggrey Baba
Deputy Inspector General of Government Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe has cautioned Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara against taking his aggressive fight against corruption outside the confines of the law, even as she welcomed his efforts to expose officials accused of demanding money from Ugandans.
Muhairwe said the Inspectorate of Government (IG) supports Balaam’s campaign because the level of impunity in the country has gone too far, but stressed that the fight against corruption must respect the rule of law and principles of natural justice.
She was responding to questions about whether the IGG was on the same page with Balaam, whose public interventions have included exposing complaints from members of the public against public officials and calling attention to alleged corruption in government institutions.
Muhairwe said the minister’s approach should be understood as part of the wider government effort against corruption and not as a fight belonging to one institution.
“This is Cabinet’s approach in the fight against corruption. Similarly, we have told you that the fight against corruption cannot be a one-man’s war,” Muhairwe said.
She added that the IGG welcomes Balaam’s intervention, particularly at a time when many people are increasingly complaining about officials demanding money in exchange for public services and government jobs.
“We welcome every effort that is geared towards fighting corruption. And the level of impunity in this country has gone very far, so we welcome the efforts,” she said.
However, according to Muhairwe, the positive intentions behind Balaam’s campaign should not justify methods that bypass established legal procedures.
“We have cautioned the ministry to do this within the confines of the law,” she said, further explaining that unlike some public interventions where allegations may immediately be made public, the IGG follows a defined process before taking action against suspects.
“We are the custodians of the law. We must do things in accordance with strict adherence to the rule of law and principles of natural justice in administration,” Muhairwe said.
The IGG, she said normally gathers information, conducts investigations in the field and only moves to arrest and prosecution after establishing sufficient grounds, addi g that that’s how the Inspectorate of Government operates.
Muhairwe nevertheless said the IGG appreciates the impact of Balaam’s public engagements, particularly because they have encouraged some members of the public to come forward with information about officials allegedly demanding bribes.
She said the fight against corruption would remain difficult if victims were unwilling to identify the officials involved or provide details that can allow investigators to act.
Muhairwe specifically cited complaints surrounding recruitment into public service, including allegations involving District Service Commissions, saying the IGG had undertaken a study into why members of the public are sometimes willing to offer bribes to secure jobs.
She further said some victims later become unwilling to identify the institutions or officials involved, making it difficult for investigators to proceed.
“We can’t act on rumors,” Muhairwe said, explaining that some investigations collapse when complainants refuse to provide the information required to substantiate their complaints.
The Deputy IGG, however, credited the Local government minister for creating an environment in which some members of the public have become more willing to speak out.
“We also must credit Honorable Balaam for his actions,” Muhairwe said, further calling for the media and the public to support every genuine effort aimed at fighting corruption, arguing that the problem can’t be defeated by the IGG alone.
“It can’t be won by the Inspectorate of Government. It is a concerted effort by every citizen, by every journalist, by every good-meaning, well-meaning Ugandan who wants our country to be better governed,” she said.
Muhairwe ultimately made it clear that there is no disagreement between Balaam’s campaign and the IGG’s broader anti-corruption mandate, but insisted that the methods used must remain lawful.
“Yes, we are on the same page. We are fighting corruption within the confines of the law,” she said. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
