Anti-Corruption Chief Isoke Warns Local Governments To Strengthen Accountability And Protect Public Resources

Brig Gen Henry Isoke, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), has called on Local Government leaders across Uganda to strengthen accountability, promote transparency and improve service delivery as the country continues the fight against corruption.Brig Gen Isoke made the call during an engagement with Local Government leaders at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, following an invitation by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. The meeting focused on implementing President Yoweri Museveni’s directives aimed at exposing and eliminating corruption in public institutions.The engagement brought together key Local Government stakeholders from across the country, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Chairpersons, District Service Commission Chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers, technical officers and other government leaders.While addressing the leaders, Brig Gen Isoke described accountability as the foundation of good governance and a key factor in building public trust. He said government leaders have a responsibility to ensure that public resources are properly managed and that government programmes deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.He urged political leaders to provide strong oversight of government programmes while technical officers ensure that public funds are used according to the law. He emphasized that every government initiative must focus on achieving results that directly improve the lives of Ugandans.The SH-ACU Head called on Local Governments to strengthen internal controls, improve supervision and enhance performance management systems. He also urged leaders to act quickly on recommendations from audits, Public Accounts Committees and investigations to prevent misuse of public resources.Brig Gen Isoke warned that corruption must be confronted with firm action, including disciplinary measures, prosecution of offenders and recovery of stolen public funds. He said fighting corruption requires commitment from all leaders and institutions responsible for protecting national resources.He further highlighted transparency as an important tool in preventing corruption. He encouraged Local Government leaders to promote openness in planning, budgeting, procurement, financial management and recruitment processes.According to Brig Gen Isoke, embracing technology in government operations can help improve records management, reduce corruption risks and allow citizens to access important information about public programmes and services.He also stressed the importance of merit-based recruitment in public service. He called for strict adherence to established procedures to eliminate practices such as bribery, nepotism, conflict of interest and political interference.The SH-ACU Head noted that the success of good governance should be measured by the quality of services delivered to citizens. He therefore encouraged Local Government leaders to improve monitoring of government projects, ensure value for money and guarantee that public works are completed on time.Brig Gen Isoke said the fight against corruption cannot be handled by one institution alone. He called for stronger cooperation between Local Governments, accountability bodies and law enforcement agencies, including SH-ACU, the Inspectorate of Government, Office of the Auditor General, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Police Force, Criminal Investigations Directorate, Internal Security Organisation, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority, Financial Intelligence Authority, the Ministry of Local Government and RDC structures.He urged these institutions to work together through information sharing, joint monitoring, inspections and coordinated investigations to ensure corruption cases are handled effectively.Brig Gen Isoke commended Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi for reviving the “Expose the Corrupt National Campaign,” saying the initiative comes at a critical time when Uganda is working to strengthen accountability and improve public service delivery.He called upon all Local Government leaders to support the campaign by carrying out their constitutional duties, protecting public resources and restoring citizens’ confidence in government institutions.The SH-ACU Head also encouraged members of the public to play an active role in fighting corruption by monitoring government programmes, demanding accountability and reporting suspected cases through official reporting channels. He said the involvement of citizens remains important in ensuring that public resources serve their intended purpose.