Alupo Commends Local Government Anti-Corruption Drive, Calls for Fair and Lawful Accountability
By Kyeyune Ali
Vice President Jessica Alupo has commended the Ministry of Local Government for its ongoing anti-corruption campaign, while urging that all accountability operations be conducted fairly, lawfully and in accordance with due process.
Representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at a high-level meeting of Local Government political and technical leaders held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Thursday, Alupo praised the Ministry’s leadership for intensifying the fight against corruption.
She specifically lauded the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, and the Minister of State for Local Government, Justine Nameere Nsubuga, for spearheading inspections, follow-up activities, oversight and other interventions aimed at promoting accountability.
“Their inspections, follow-ups, oversight and decisive interventions have sent a strong message to all leaders that the era of laxity, impunity and misuse of public resources must end, and it must end now,” Alupo said.
The Vice President reaffirmed that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. However, she stressed that the fight against corruption must be guided by the Constitution and the rule of law.
She reminded leaders that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty and cautioned against exposing suspects to public humiliation before the legal process is concluded.
Alupo also underscored the critical role of Local Governments in national development, describing them as the face of the State and the first point at which citizens experience government services.
She noted that decisions made by Local Government leaders have a direct impact on the quality of education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential public services delivered to communities.
The Vice President further urged leaders to support government efforts aimed at growing the economy by strengthening transparency, supervision and financial accountability. She called for timely corrective action whenever weaknesses are identified to ensure that the fight against corruption produces tangible results rather than remaining mere rhetoric.
She concluded by urging every district, city and municipality represented at the meeting to leave with practical action plans that will implement President Museveni’s directive and improve service delivery for all Ugandans.