The newly appointed Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has pledged to overhaul the Inspectorate and take firm action against public officials implicated in corruption, signaling a tougher and more aggressive approach to tackling graft in Uganda’s public service.
Speaking to the media for the first time since her appointment, Justice Naluzze made it clear that her tenure will mark a new era of accountability and enforcement.
“It’s not going to be business as usual,” she warned. “I commit to bring change in my office, and all public servants should brace themselves because I have a lot in stock to do with prosecution.”
Her remarks come at a time when corruption continues to cost Uganda dearly. According to the 2024 Inspectorate of Government report, the country loses approximately Shs9.9 trillion annually through embezzlement, procurement fraud, and misuse of public funds.
Justice Naluzze, who replaces Beti Olive Kamya following the expiry of her contract earlier this year, brings a strong legal and prosecutorial background to the role. A former High Court judge and seasoned prosecutor at the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), she is known for her diligence, integrity, and no-nonsense approach to justice.
Her appointment has been widely seen as an attempt by the government to restore credibility to the IGG’s office, which has often been criticized for lacking bite in the fight against corruption.
Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda described her as “a disciplined and principled public servant whose experience will bring new energy to the Inspectorate.”
Justice Naluzze’s tough rhetoric has drawn both optimism and skepticism. Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who sits on the parliamentary appointments committee that vetted her, welcomed her appointment but expressed doubts about whether she will have the political backing needed to confront entrenched corruption.
“Don’t expect her to perform any miracles,” Ssenyonyi cautioned. “She may end up frustrated like Justice Irene Mulyagonja. The morale fiber has been eaten away. She should take decisive action against civil servants who embezzle resources and confiscate their properties.”
Analysts argue that the new IGG’s success will depend on how independently her office can operate and whether her investigations will be supported by enforcement agencies and the courts.
Justice Naluzze’s appointment was vetted and approved by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. Her mandate includes strengthening institutional integrity, enhancing asset recovery, and restoring public trust in government systems.
She has already hinted at a more collaborative approach with agencies such as the Financial Intelligence Authority, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to ensure quicker prosecution of corruption-related cases.
Observers note that Justice Naluzze’s first test will be whether she can reopen stalled high-profile investigations and recover public funds lost in past scandals.
“The fight against corruption requires courage, consistency, and conviction,” she said. “We must protect public resources because corruption robs every Ugandan of a better life.”
As she assumes office, Ugandans will be watching closely to see if Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala can turn her bold promises into lasting change.
