By Eusukoit Cuthbert Otim.
The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has asked the public to be the ombudsman of corruption, noting that in countries where the fight is successful, everyone is a watchdog.
Betty Olive Kamya Namisango made this appeal in Amuria district on Friday where she held a Baraza meeting with the residents aimed at encouraging the public to become “foot soldiers” in the fight against the vice.
She also said her strategy now is using preventive measures measures other than dealing with a postmortem.
“For us to succeed against corruption, every citizen must join the struggle. Each of you should keep an eye on the public servants who are rapidly immersing wealth that is not commensurate to their earnings and you report,” said Kamya in her address to the crowd.
She advised the public to report to the IGG’s office or Whats App the Inspectorate on 0774 123 842 and 0707 721 146.
She also said the Inspectorate of government will in a near future establish a call center in an attempt to scale the war on corrupt public officials.
The IGG decried the high level of corruption in the country saying the country ranks among the 39 most corrupt countries out of the 190 in the world ranked on corruption.
“We scored 26 marks out of 100 in being corruption free. Now it’s a responsibility of every citizen to give us information to act upon. The public resources they steal is your own, it’s for medicines in hospitals, roads or a school in your community.”
She noted that the report on corruption indicates that Uganda loses 10 trillion shillings per year to corruption, the money which government would be able to send to each parish to the time of about 1 billion per year.
The Amuria district chairperson, Moses Emabu said it was an opportunity for Amuria to host the IGG at a time when the district is focusing on delivering service delivery to the people.
He said the district’s common challenge was on procurement department which he observed has been slow in awarding contracts.
Meanwhile, the residents called on the IGG to investigate the tractors donated by president Museveni to farmer groups in Amuria and Kapelebyong districts
Richard Enyangu a resident of Kapelebyong district said some big shots in government have grabbed the tractors from the groups for self gain.
“IGG, I want to implore you to investigate a tractor given to Odukul Community Farmer Group which has been taken by a big official from Kampala,” said Enyangu who presented a file to the IGG.
The residents also asked the IGG to investigate Emyooga monies on allegations that the money was given to salaried people including unnamed district officials.
In response, the IGG said all the issues raised will be investigated.