Govt Officials Urged to Declare Assets Before Deadline

Government officials have been reminded to declare their assets, income, and liabilities before the March 31, 2025, deadline to ensure transparency and accountability in public service.

The Leadership Code Tribunal, in collaboration with the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), has emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that failure to declare assets could result in legal action, including possible removal from office.

Kickstarting the declaration exercise on March 1, Deputy Inspector General of Government, Patricia Achan Okiria, reiterated that all public officials must disclose their wealth, including security and treasury bonds, as well as assets owned by their spouses and dependents.

Chairperson of the Leadership Code Tribunal, Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo Segawa, encouraged leaders to comply in time, highlighting that asset declaration plays a crucial role in promoting accountability and public trust.

“Leaders must set an example and be prepared to declare their wealth. This ensures transparency and builds trust with the people they serve,” Dr. Segawa stated.

According to the Deputy IGG, 90% of government officials declared their assets last year, and the target for this year is a 95% compliance rate. While challenges remain, including cases of non-compliance, efforts are ongoing to ensure all public servants meet their legal obligations.

“So far, 1,500 leaders have submitted their declarations since March 1, and we expect more to comply before the March 31 deadline,” the Deputy IGG stated.

With over 320,000 civil servants across various government departments and agencies, authorities continue to emphasize the need for full compliance.

The Leadership Code Tribunal expects to handle over 2,400 cases this year, though limited resources have posed challenges in processing declarations.

Failure to declare assets is a violation of the law and is punishable by prosecution before the tribunal. Leaders found guilty risk losing their positions and facing further legal action.

As the deadline approaches, the call remains clear—government officials must declare their assets in time to uphold integrity and transparency in public service.