The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has unveiled a user-friendly ombudsman mechanism to speed the reporting of complaints for both the general public and government employees.
This was revealed during a meeting with the stakeholders at the headquarter office on October 17, 2023.
Betty Kamya, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), said that the new guidebook provides clear instructions on how to report issues, the available communication channels, and the designated authorities to contact.
“Under this new system, complaints can be submitted through email, phone, or by visiting the IG’s offices in person, offering greater convenience to complainants, Kamya stated.
The manual, according to Kamya, intends to help people understand how to use the IG’s ombudsman services effectively, particularly in cases of workplace harassment and other issues.
Many people were previously unaware of the IG’s ombudsman services, making it difficult for them to express their concerns. This project also improves communication for government employees dealing with a variety of difficulties.
Kamya emphasized the impact of senior staff mistreating employees, which affects the quality of public services. To address this, she underlined the manual’s promotion through social media to reach a wider audience quickly and effectively.
She also stressed that taxpayers have the right to receive quality services, and public servants must recognize this as their duty. To ensure accountability, the IG will intervene when taxpayers demand service and face resistance.
In the fiscal year 2022/2023, the IG received nearly 5,000 ombudsman cases from various government agencies. The most common issues reported were employment disputes (36%), non-payment of salaries and benefits (29%), and delayed service delivery (08%).