Civil Servants Warned of Tough Penalties for False Wealth Declarations
By Skika Reporter
Public officials who misrepresent their income, hide assets, or submit inaccurate information in the ongoing mandatory declaration exercise risk facing serious consequences, including demotion, dismissal, prosecution, and confiscation of property.
The warning was issued during the launch of the 2026 online declaration of income, assets, and liabilities at the Office of the President. Anti-corruption officials described the exercise as a key measure to strengthen accountability and integrity within public service.
The declaration exercise, which runs until April 30, requires all public officers and leaders to disclose their income, assets, liabilities, and gifts in line with the Leadership Code Act.
Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo Segawa, Chairperson of the Leadership Code Tribunal, cautioned that any public servant found submitting incomplete or misleading information will face strict penalties once verification is carried out.
She noted that some officials deliberately conceal wealth or exaggerate their declarations, warning that such actions will attract fines, salary withholding, demotion, asset seizure, or dismissal.
Dr. Karugonjo also raised concern over misuse of government property, citing cases where public resources are diverted for personal use, and stressed that offenders will not be spared.
She further urged the Inspectorate of Government to make compliance with the Leadership Code a key factor in recruitment, promotions, and interviews within public service.
Inspector General of Government Aisha Naluzze Batala said the exercise is intended to promote transparency, honesty, and improved service delivery. She emphasized that failure to declare by the April 30 deadline will lead to prosecution before the Leadership Code Tribunal.
Justice Batala added that the initiative will help detect unexplained wealth, prevent misuse of public resources, and ensure government funds are used appropriately for national development.
According to the Inspectorate, Shs2.4 billion in misused funds was recovered between June and December last year, along with an additional Shs2 million recovered between January and February this year. During the same period, 308 corruption cases were concluded out of 1,516 complaints received, with 1,151 cases sanctioned, reflecting a 75 percent disposal rate.
Minister of Public Service Wilson Muruli Mukasa urged public officers to participate in the exercise with honesty and openness, noting that Uganda loses an estimated Shs10 trillion annually to corruption.
He proposed making proof of asset declaration a requirement for anyone seeking employment in public service and called for investigations into why more than 3,000 officials failed to declare their assets in the previous exercise, despite a reported 90 percent compliance rate.
Mr. Mukasa also directed permanent secretaries and accounting officers to ensure full compliance within their institutions to enhance accountability and improve service delivery.
