Summary:

• The Deputy IGG urges newly appointed ARDCs and ARCCs to combat corruption and support government initiatives. Training includes sessions on management skills, research, and the introduction of an online mentorship system.

KAMPALA, (Examiner) – Ms. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, the Deputy Inspector General of Government (D/IGG), has called upon the newly appointed Assistant Resident District Commissioners (ARDCs) and Assistant Resident City Commissioners (ARCCs) to take a proactive stance against corruption. Speaking at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, during a two-week induction training for the officials, Twinomugisha emphasized the crucial role of citizen involvement in combating corruption, stressing that corruption’s impact extends beyond the government to affect all citizens.

Highlighting Uganda’s ranking among the world’s most corrupt countries according to various indices including the World Governance Index, Transparency International, Corruption Perception Index, and Afro Barometer, Twinomugisha urged for heightened public awareness on the pervasive nature of corruption, which costs Uganda approximately Shs 10 trillion annually. She expressed optimism that with the support of the Assistant RDCs and RCCs, the fight against corruption can make significant strides forward.

Twinomugisha encouraged the commissioners to utilize their security roles to gather intelligence on corrupt government officials, stressing that corruption has evolved into a political and security threat. However, she cautioned them against involvement in illegal land evictions and transactions, urging them to refrain from influencing investigations or abusing office privileges.

Furthermore, Twinomugisha emphasized the importance of public education on government programs and ensuring the functionality of all government offices within their jurisdictions for effective service delivery.

In a separate session, Ms. Mutesa Betty Cwinya-ai, the Undersecretary Cabinet Secretariat- Office of the President, underscored the significance of management skills for effective organizational functioning. She outlined the five key activities of management: planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and coordination, while stressing the importance of technical, conceptual, and interpersonal skills for effective management.

Ms. Mutesa also emphasized the importance of communication, time management, leadership, and teamwork in achieving organizational goals. She highlighted the role of regular meetings in strategizing and maintaining alignment with organizational vision.

Dr. Dan Ssekiboobo, the Senior Presidential Advisor-Research, discussed the importance of research in enhancing service delivery within the RDC Secretariat. He introduced the National Online Mentorship Systems (NOMS) as a platform to facilitate knowledge sharing and mentorship among RDCs and RCCs, aiming to address practical learning needs and minimize capacity building bottlenecks.

The induction training session was attended by other officials from the Office of the President, including Lt Col. Kibrai Ambako, Ms. Obedi Gertrude Collines, Dr. James Tweheyo, and Mr. Fred Bamwine, underscoring the government’s commitment to equipping its officials with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective governance.