The Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG), Dr Patricia Achan Okiria, has warned public servants against misusing government resources, saying every public official has a constitutional and ethical duty to account for public funds, property and decisions entrusted to them.
Okiria said government resources must be used strictly for their intended purposes and cautioned public officials against diverting funds and property for personal benefit or other unauthorised purposes.
“Public resources must be used strictly for their intended purposes. They must never be diverted for personal benefit or for any other unauthorised purpose. Government funds should be spent only for authorised purposes, properly supported by documentation, accurately recorded and transparently accounted for,” Okiria said.
She made the remarks while delivering a keynote address on “Transparency and Integrity” during the Ministry of Public Service Annual Staff Baraza held at the National Records and Archives Centre in Kampala.
Okiria challenged public servants to constantly reflect on whether they would be comfortable explaining their decisions and use of government resources directly to the citizens whose taxes fund government operations.
“The question each of us should continually ask is: if the citizens whose resources I am managing were standing beside me, would I be comfortable explaining this decision, this expenditure, this appointment, this procurement process or this use of public property to them? That is the spirit of public accountability,” she said.
She said accountability goes beyond financial management, extending to the decisions public officials make, the authority they exercise and the manner in which they use public resources.
According to Okiria, the conduct of public servants directly affects citizens’ confidence in government because people largely judge the state through the quality of services they receive.
“Citizens experience Government primarily through the services they receive, not merely through policy documents or speeches,” she said.
She cited access to medicines, availability of skilled personnel, quality education, well-maintained roads and efficient government services as some of the key areas through which citizens assess government performance.
Okiria urged public officials to treat every interaction with citizens as an opportunity to build trust and confidence in government rather than undermine it.
She further reminded public servants that accountability should not end with discussions at the staff Baraza but should become part of their daily work.
“The reflections from this engagement should therefore go beyond this Baraza. They should inform how each of us exercises authority, manages public resources, interacts with citizens and delivers results,” she said.
Her remarks come as the government continues efforts to strengthen accountability and combat corruption in the management of public resources through institutions such as the Inspectorate of Government.
Meanwhile, Minister for Public Service Gen Katumba Wamala urged ministry staff to embrace teamwork and professionalism, saying effective government performance depends on employees working together towards common goals.
“Success comes when all of us work together. So when we deliver results, we win as one team. We must also remain professional at all times, and also respect each other, no matter one’s rank,” Gen Katumba said.
