Minister Muruli Mukasa Launches Declaration of Income, Assets, and Liabilities for Public Officers

Kampala, Uganda – April 1, 2026 – The Minister for Public Service, Hon. Muruli Mukasa, today launched the declaration of income, assets, and liabilities for Public Officers, alongside the new User Guide to the Leadership Code Act, Cap. 33. The event marks the beginning of a one-month exercise aimed at reinforcing integrity and accountability within Uganda’s public service.

The declaration exercise, which runs from April 1st to April 30th, 2026, requires specified public officers to declare their incomes, assets, and liabilities to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) every five years. According to the Ministry, this process serves as a deliberate step to remind public officers that they hold office on behalf of the public and must remain accountable.

During the launch, Hon. Muruli Mukasa emphasized that the declaration is a legal requirement, not an administrative burden as it has sometimes been misconstrued.

“When you declare your income, assets, and liabilities you demonstrate honesty and accountability. It shows that you are a person of integrity and can confidently account for what you have without fear,” he said.

The Minister assured the Inspector General of Government (IGG) of the government’s full support in enforcing the Leadership Code Act across the public sector, reinforcing the IGG’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and accountable public service.

Hon. Rose Lily Akello, the Minister for Ethics and Integrity, echoed these sentiments, urging all public officers to take the exercise seriously. She warned of consequences for non-compliance, noting that those who fail to declare will face prosecution by the Leadership Code Tribunal.

“This is a very important period and all Public Officers should take this exercise seriously. We want Public Officers to be accountable and that’s why we want them to declare. Those who fail to declare will be prosecuted by the Leadership Code Tribunal because the law is very clear. I encourage all Public Officers to comply,” Hon. Akello stated.

The Inspector General of Government, Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, described the declaration exercise as a cornerstone of good governance, not merely a statutory requirement. She emphasized that transparency and accountability are fundamental obligations that drive efficient, timely, and citizen-centered service delivery.

“Today’s launch reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the IGG to enforce ethical standards across the public service. Public office is a trust, and those entrusted with it must never prioritise personal interests at the expense of the citizens they serve,” Lady Justice Naluzze said.

She added that when public officers are aware their financial status is subject to scrutiny, they are more likely to act with integrity, make decisions in the public interest, and avoid malpractices such as bribery and undue delays. She also allayed concerns about the declaration process, noting that the IGG has taken deliberate steps to ensure it remains efficient and accessible.

The launch also introduced the User Guide to the Leadership Code Act, designed to make the law more user-friendly by clarifying the obligations of both leaders and the public. The Chairperson of the Leadership Code Tribunal, Dr. Rose Karugonjo, expressed hope that the guide would simplify the Leadership Code of Conduct and ensure it is understood and upheld across all levels of public service.

“We hope that the User Guide will bring about a renewed commitment to implement the Leadership Code Act, enhance access to justice and equality, and restore legitimacy and trust in our institutions,” Dr. Karugonjo said.

Public Officers covered by the exercise include individuals working in Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and Local Governments (LGs) whose salaries are paid by the Government of Uganda. Through the enforcement of the Leadership Code Act, the IGG continues to nurture a culture where accountability is not optional but expected.