By Diana N. Kintu
The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has called for the swift finalisation and implementation of the draft Anti-Corruption (Confiscation and Recovery Orders) Rules, 2026, in order to strengthen Uganda’s efforts in recovering assets linked to corruption.
According to the IGG, the proposed Rules will provide a clear legal and procedural framework for confiscating and recovering illegally acquired assets, helping anti-corruption institutions effectively enforce recovery orders and ensure that public resources are protected.
Speaking at the closing of the National Validation Workshop held at the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) Head Office in Nakasero, Lady Justice Naluzze commended members of the Inter-Agency Forum Legal Task Force and other stakeholders for developing the draft Rules.
She further explained that the Rules are intended to operationalise Section 73 of the Anti-Corruption Act by addressing existing gaps in the handling of confiscation proceedings, management of recovered property, and enforcement of recovery measures.
“Once enacted, the Rules will close these gaps and strengthen one of the most powerful tools available to anti-corruption agencies,” she said.
The IGG emphasised that asset recovery is a critical part of the fight against corruption because resources lost through corruption directly affect citizens and national development.
“Corruption is not just about stolen money. It is about denying citizens access to health, education, and infrastructure. Asset recovery ensures that stolen wealth is returned to the people,” she said.
Furthermore, the IGG noted that a stronger asset recovery framework would help restore public confidence, discourage corrupt practices, and ensure that individuals who benefit from illicit activities do not retain proceeds obtained through corruption.
In addition, the Rules will support Uganda’s obligations under international and regional anti-corruption frameworks, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which promotes effective systems for preventing corruption and recovering stolen assets.
The validation workshop brought together representatives from government institutions, legal experts, civil society organisations, and development partners, who highlighted the importance of a strong confiscation and recovery framework in promoting transparency and accountability.
Participants observed that effective asset recovery mechanisms can strengthen deterrence by ensuring that corruption does not remain financially rewarding.
Lady Justice Naluzze urged stakeholders to ensure that the Rules move beyond approval and are fully implemented once enacted.
“This is a collective effort. We must ensure that these Rules are not only passed but are effectively applied to strengthen Uganda’s fight against corruption,” she said.
She added that delays in implementing effective recovery measures allow illegally acquired assets to remain outside the reach of justice.
“We must move swiftly. Every day lost is another day that stolen assets remain outside the reach of justice. The people of Uganda deserve better,” she said.
Once finalised, the Rules are expected to improve Uganda’s asset recovery system by providing clarity on confiscation procedures, administration of recovered property, and enforcement of recovery orders.
The IGG addressing the proposed Rules that will provide a clear legal and procedural framework for confiscating and recovering illegally acquired assets during the National Validation Workshop
Different Members and Participants That Attended During the National Validation Workshop