By Ben Musanje
The government has put corrupt public officials on notice: the 17 properties recovered from them are being valued and it will be done in just one month. Chief Government Valuer Mr. Gilbert Kermundu revealed this during a site visit by Inspector General of Government (IGG) Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala to a property in Bukoto that once belonged to Mr. Geoffrey Kazinda, a former principal accountant in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Kazinda, convicted in 2020 for illicit enrichment, had been living a life far beyond his official means, amassing wealth over UGX 4 billion that could not be explained by his legitimate income. Following his conviction, the court ordered his properties seized by the government, making him one of the most high-profile examples of asset recovery in Uganda’s fight against corruption.
Kermundu reassured the public that the valuation process will be swift and thorough, highlighting the capacity and expertise of his team at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. “We have a formidable team who are highly skilled in valuation. We have a client charter that stipulates how much time we ought to take to complete an assignment and I can assure you that this activity shouldn’t take us more than one month,” he said.
The Bukoto property is just one of the 17 currently being assessed, all of which are part of a broader plan to reclaim public funds and identify the proceeds of corruption. Lady Justice Naluzze’s second site visit to Kazinda’s former property underscores the IG’s relentless drive to ensure that no corrupt official enjoys the spoils of their crimes.
Accompanying her on the inspection were key officials from the IG’s office, including Ms. Hilda Talibba, Director of Legal Affairs; Dr. Ernest Katwesigye, Manager of Asset Recovery; Mr. James Jemba, Inspectorate Officer; Mr. Lincoln Gonzaga, Graduate Trainee; and Mr. Thembo Bukhari, IGG’s Research Assistant. Their presence highlighted the seriousness with which the IG’s office is approaching the valuation and eventual disposal of these recovered assets.
The fast-track valuation sends a strong message to public officials: corruption will not be tolerated, and every property, vehicle, and asset seized will be accounted for and returned to the public. With the one-month deadline now in effect, the government is moving decisively to ensure that luxury homes, once symbols of illicit enrichment, will soon benefit the nation rather than line the pockets of the corrupt.
