Uganda’s fight against corruption has renewed momentum, with the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) recovering Shs4.2 billion from corrupt individuals and institutions across the country in just six months.
However, the bi-annual performance report presented to Parliament on Monday delivers a sobering revelation: Kampala is officially Uganda’s most corrupt district, again, with more than four times the number of corruption cases than any other region.
The recovery was announced by the Inspector General of Government, Betty Kamya, during her July–December 2024 Bi-Annual Performance Report presentation to Parliament.
The event highlighted not only the financial recuperation but also broader institutional reforms aimed at strengthening accountability.
There has been a significant rise in concluded investigations, funds recovered, and conviction rates. “This is due to internal reforms like prosecution-led investigations and greater citizen engagement,” Kamya explained.
According to the report:
- 4.2 billion shillings has been recovered from a total of Shs8 billion recommended for recovery by Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and local governments.
- 600 administrative sanctions were issued.
- 16 officials were recommended for prosecution.
- 1,267 cases were concluded out of 1,347 complaints, with 1,193 sanctioned for investigation.
Among the 18 high-profile cases were investigations involving the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd, the Electoral Commission, and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Charges ranged from embezzlement and misappropriation of funds to abuse of office and causing financial loss.
Of the 134 districts reviewed between July and December 2024, Kampala recorded 253 corruption cases, followed by Wakiso (56), Mbale (44), Masaka (34), and Mukono (32). The capital accounted for nearly one in every five complaints, a figure that dwarfs other regions.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Buhweju, Bukedea, Kalaki, Karenga, Luuka, and Nabilatuk each registered just one case, highlighting stark regional disparities in either corruption levels or reporting behaviour.
Kampala’s repeat appearance is particularly alarming. In the IGG’s previous report (January to June 2024), Kampala topped the list with 224 cases. Mbale (73), Wakiso (56), and Mukono (43) also returned as repeat offenders. The consistency of these districts at the top of the corruption index raises concerns about the limited impact of past interventions.
While the return of some districts was expected, others showed notable shifts. Masaka, which had not previously featured among the top five, registered 34 cases. Jinja, Hoima, and Lira also climbed into the top ten, whereas Mbarara, Rakai, and Kabarole, which were previously high on the list, showed improvement and dropped out of the top ten.
The IGG’s call for increased funding received backing from Parliament, with Hon. Esther Afoyochan, representing Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Among, pledging continued legislative support.
“I commend the IGG for her steadfast efforts. I will make a strong case in Parliament for adequate budgetary support to enable the institution to deliver fully on its mandate,” said Hon. Afoyochan.
While the numbers suggest improved operational efficiency, they also underscore a disturbing trend: corruption, especially in Kampala and its surrounding districts, is not abating—it is adapting.
The findings raise critical questions: Are recoveries signs of genuine progress, or just symptoms of deeper, more systemic rot? Why do the same districts keep topping the list?
IGG Kamya reiterated the need for financial reinforcement to sustain and scale enforcement, particularly at the grassroots:
“To effectively fulfill our constitutional mandate and ensure more recoveries, we need stronger financial support,” she urged.
With Parliament’s upcoming budget deliberations, the IGG’s office is expected to push for increased allocations to bolster its investigative capacity and facilitate local-level anti-corruption programs.