Uganda's anti-corruption agency gives 24,000 leaders 30 days to declare wealth or face sanctions

Uganda's Inspectorate of Government has given leaders 30 days to declare their wealth in accordance with the law or face sanctions.

Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, Beti Kamya, the anti-corruption agency's chief said Articles 233(2) and 234 of the country's Constitution and section 4 of the Leadership Code Act require political leaders and appointed leaders to declare their incomes, assets and liabilities every two years.

"The previous declaration was done in March 2021 and therefore all those leaders specified above are required to declare their incomes, assets and liabilities in March 2023. The exercise will run from March 1 and close on March 31. Please take serious note that there is no provision in the law to extend this period,"Kamya said.

Eligibility

Declaring of wealth in this regard is meant for elected leaders from Local Councils upwards to the President, persons appointed by the president including permanent secretaries, heads of public institutions, board members of public institutions, and executive leaders of registered political parties among others.

According to the Leadership Code director, Joram Magezi, at least 24,000 leaders fall under this category.

Sanctions

The Inspectorate of Government said there will be serious sanctions for leaders for non-declaration, under-declaration, over-declaration, falsification of facts, and anticipatory declaration of income, assets, and liabilities.

"Sanctions for breach of the code include fines, warning, caution, demotion, dismissal from office, vacation of office, confiscation, and forfeiture of illicitly acquired assets, gifts or benefits to the government. Therefore any leader who will not have declared by March 31 will be in violation of the law,"Kamya said.