By Ben Musanje
The newly appointed State Minister for National Guidance, Alioni Yorke Odria, has directed technical teams at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to develop a software system capable of tracking, controlling, and managing corruption, describing the fight against graft as one of his key priorities during the current government term.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in Kampala, Alioni said technology must be placed at the forefront of Uganda’s anti-corruption efforts, pledging to push for the development of a digital solution regardless of the cost involved.
The Minister, who is also Member of Parliament for Aringa South County in Yumbe District, said his assignment at the ministry was straightforward and centered on delivering practical solutions through innovation.
“My assignment is very simple, technical team. Just do for me one thing. I want you to develop for me a software that we can use to track, control and manage corruption,” Alioni told ministry officials and agency heads.
He emphasized that the proposed system should be developed even if significant financial resources are required, noting that he was prepared to seek direct support from President Yoweri Museveni if necessary.
“However expensive it’s going to be, if the Minister of Finance cannot support us in that, I will use my usual methods to reach the President himself to support me in that struggle,” he said.
Alioni’s remarks come at a time when the government has intensified efforts to combat corruption through digital systems, automation, and improved transparency in public service delivery. His proposal signals an intention to use technology not only as a communication tool but also as a mechanism for accountability and governance.
Alioni Odria gained prominence in the 11th Parliament for his outspoken criticism of alleged corruption. During plenary sessions, he publicly challenged the former Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, over allegations related to corruption scandals.
The minister expressed confidence in the ministry’s technical teams and challenged them to accelerate Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.
“The digital transformation that we are talking about goes back to you, the technical people,” he said, adding that the current government term should be focused on delivering tangible results.
While Alioni focused on technology-driven anti-corruption measures, State Minister for ICT Joyce Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo outlined her priorities for expanding digital access and making internet services more affordable to ordinary Ugandans.
Ssebuggwawo, who retained her position in the ministry following the recent Cabinet reshuffle, pledged to continue pursuing policies aimed at reducing the cost of internet data and digital devices across the country.
“I want to start by expressing my deep gratitude to His Excellency the President for his continued trust and confidence in me. Allowing me to retain my seat in this docket is a great honor, and I am fully ready to keep serving our nation,” she said.
Addressing ministry staff and stakeholders, Ssebuggwawo said Uganda’s digital transformation agenda would only succeed if internet connectivity and digital services become accessible to all citizens regardless of their location.
“We must extend reliable internet to every corner of the country so that no Ugandan is left behind,” she said.
The minister also identified the high cost of internet access as a major barrier to digital inclusion and pledged to continue engaging stakeholders to lower data charges.
“We will continue working hard to lower the cost of data and devices to make digital services affordable to everyone,” she said.
Beyond affordability, Ssebuggwawo stressed the need to support young innovators and entrepreneurs by creating opportunities that enable them to benefit from the growing digital economy.
“We must also support our young innovators, create jobs for them as we have been doing, and make sure that government services are easily accessible online in a safe and secure way,” she noted.
The minister praised ministry staff and sector agencies for their support during her previous tenure but challenged them to increase efficiency and accelerate implementation of key government programs.
“Let us work with speed, eliminate delays, and focus entirely on making an impact,” she said.
Ssebuggwawo noted that while leadership changes may bring new energy to the ministry, the overall objective remains unchanged.
“Change brings new energy, but our goal remains the same — a fully digital and transformed Uganda,” she said.
The handover ceremony also welcomed the new Cabinet Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, who officially assumed leadership of the ministry alongside her incoming team.
With Alioni championing technology-based anti-corruption systems and Ssebuggwawo focusing on affordable internet access and digital inclusion, the ministry’s new leadership signaled a commitment to accelerating Uganda’s digital transformation while using technology to strengthen transparency, accountability, and service delivery across government. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
