Kampala has emerged as the most corrupt district in Uganda, according to a new report released by the Inspector General of Government (IGG).
The findings are part of the Inspectorate’s bi-annual performance report covering the period from July to December 2024.
According to the report, Kampala recorded 253 corruption-related complaints, almost five times more than Wakiso, which followed with 56 cases. Other districts in the top five included Mbale (44), Masaka (34), and Mukono (32).
At the other end of the spectrum, Buhweju, Bukedea, Kalaki, Karenga, Luuka, and Nabilatuk were cited as the least corrupt districts, each registering only one complaint.
The IGG disclosed that the Inspectorate received a total of 1,347 complaints over the reporting period.
Out of these, 1,193 were sanctioned for investigation, and 1,267 cases were fully investigated and concluded.
“From the above, it is evident that there was an increase in investigations concluded, funds recovered, and conviction rates. The rise is attributed to internal improvements, such as prosecution-led investigations and greater citizen engagement,” Kamya told Parliament.
Out of the total cases, 552 were classified as corruption-related, 391 as Ombudsman-related, and 324 as Leadership Code breaches.
Kampala, Wakiso, Mbale, and Mukono continue to dominate the corruption rankings, reflecting a persistent trend.
In the previous report covering January to June 2024, Kampala had registered 224 corruption complaints, followed by Mbale (73), Wakiso (56), and Mukono (43).
New entrants into the top 10 most corrupt districts include Masaka, Jinja, Hoima, and Lira.
Masaka, in particular, did not feature prominently in the last report but now ranks among the top five.
Meanwhile, Mbarara, Rakai, and Kabarole have dropped off the list due to a decline in reported cases.
Speaking to the media after the parliamentary session, IGG Spokesperson Ms Ali Munira attributed Kampala’s high corruption rates to the size and administrative complexity of the capital city.
“Kampala has more than four divisions, making its administration inherently large. Also, most government offices are located in the city, hence registering more cases,” Ms Munira explained.
She also revealed that the Inspectorate investigated 18 high-profile corruption cases across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), recommending the recovery of Shs6.9 billion.
These included allegations of embezzlement, abuse of office, misappropriation, and financial loss.
Among the institutions implicated were the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd, Electoral Commission, and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
In total, the Inspectorate concluded 360 corruption-related investigations within MDAs and local governments during the period.
It recommended the recovery of Shs8 billion, issued 600 administrative sanctions, and forwarded 16 public officials for prosecution. So far, Shs4.2 billion has been recovered.
