The Inspector General of Government, Hon. Betty Namisango Kamya has warned that there will be serious repercussions for political and appointed leaders who will not declare their wealth under the leadership code when the online portal opens on 1st March 2023.
Kamya revealed this while addressing the media on Tuesday 21st February, at Uganda Media Center.
According to Kamya, leaders have a tendency of being lax and seek an extension which cannot be done under the law.
She noted that over 24,000 specified leaders have to declare their wealth twice a year.
“The exercise will run from March 1st and close on March 31st. Please take serious note that there is no provision in the law to extend this period,” Ms. Kamya said.
She added that any leader who will not have declared by March 31st will be in violation of the law.
Mr. Joram Magezi, the director of the Leadership Code under the IGG’s office, responsible for ensuring adherence to principles and values of integrity among leaders as specified in the Leadership Code Act added that 24,000 officers are expected to declare wealth within the specified period.
Article 233 (2) and 234 of the Constitution of Uganda and Section 4 of the Leadership Code Act, 2021 requires a number of such leaders to declare to IGG their incomes, assets and liabilities every two years during the month of March.
Those required to declare include elected political leaders from Sub-county level up to President.
Others include those appointed by the President such as permanent Secretaries, heads of public institutions, board members of public institutions, and executive leaders of political parties.
In case of non-declaration, under declaration, over declaration, under declaration and falsification of facts in declaration of assets, the sanctions include fines, demotion, dismissal from office, and confiscation of illicitly acquired assets.
