Masindi leaders criticise IGG for backing corruption

Masindi district leaders have hit out at the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) over the failure to handle corruption-related matters raised by whistleblowers.

At the anti-corruption baraza organised by the IGG at Masindi boma grounds on Wednesday, June 24, residents expressed concerns that oftentimes their cries against corruption tendencies among office holders are never given a listening ear.

This, they say, is making it hard for some of them to tap into public opportunities.

Despite their efforts, the anti-corruption bodies like IGG, residents say, connive with suspects to escalate the situation, which encourages extortion from the vulnerable members of the community.

Addressing the same baraza, the district councillor of Kabango, Juma Wahid Babyesiza, accused IGG investigators of once freezing him out of a probe into mismanagement of sub-county funds by a government official.

He alleged that the investigators instead held private meetings with the suspects.

On June 24, 2024, he reported to IGG a case regarding the mismanagement of shs23 million spent on the construction of Labongo sub-county headquarters. This amount, he claimed, was unclear destination.

Babyesiza noted that despite such interventions, they continue to observe connivance among the IGG officials and the suspected criminals.

“You cannot investigate a case without engaging those with evidence,” Babyesiza said.

Rogers Amanyire, Mayor of Masindi Municipality, also revealed that some officials from the IGG take advantage of the corruption weasel blowers to promote corruption by getting money from the accused corrupt persons.

Lawrence Ziiwa, a resident of Kijura central who represented the LC1 chairman at the baraza, questioned the logic of raising new complaints without resolving already reported issues, which continue to remain unaddressed.

“I wonder what issues you are going to address. You (the IGG) were here 2 years back, and we have always raised evidence-based issues before you. Until now, no feedback,” Ziiwa expressed.

Paul Okello from Hoima regional IGG office defended the allegations, saying that the investigators only focus on individuals deemed directly relevant to the case.

Christine Lamwaka, the IGG manager for advocacy, says they acknowledge some of the issues being raised, pledging improved working efforts to retain their good public image.

She, however, called for continuous cohesion in addressing complaints for solutions.