The newly appointed Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has pledged to overhaul the operations of the IGG and take firm action against public officials implicated in corruption.
Addressing the media for the first time since assuming office, Justice Naluzze declared that her tenure would mark a clear departure from “business as usual,” warning public servants to prepare for heightened scrutiny and intensified prosecutions.
“I commit to bring change in my office, and all public servants should brace themselves because I have a lot in stock regarding prosecution,” Justice Naluzze asserted.
Her promise comes at a time when Uganda continues to grapple with staggering losses to corruption. The 2024 IGG report estimates that the country loses nearly Shs9.9 trillion annually through embezzlement and misuse of public funds.
Justice Naluzze, formerly a High Court judge with extensive experience in criminal prosecution and judicial administration, succeeds Beti Olive Kamya, whose term ended earlier this year.
Known for her diligence and precision during her service at the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Judiciary, she is widely regarded as a meticulous and principled officer.
However, her strong anti-corruption stance has drawn mixed reactions. Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who sits on the parliamentary appointments committee, voiced doubts about whether she can achieve meaningful reforms amid systemic challenges.
“Don’t expect her to perform any miracles because she may end up frustrated like Justice Irene Mulyagonjja. The moral fibre has been eaten away. She should take decisive action against civil servants who embezzle resources and confiscate their properties,” Ssenyonyi cautioned.
Justice Naluzze’s appointment was vetted and approved by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
She assumes office at a critical juncture, as public confidence in government accountability continues to wane. Her leadership marks the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative era in Uganda’s fight against corruption.
