IGG Raises Alarm Over Absenteeism, Land Grabbing, Corruption in Mukono

Surprise inspection exposes staffing gaps, stalled services, and rising land disputes, with over 70% of Lands office staff absent.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Aisha Naluze, has raised concern over widespread absenteeism among public servants in Mukono District, warning that it is severely undermining service delivery.

During an impromptu inspection, Justice Naluze visited several government offices, including Mukono District headquarters, Mukono Municipal Council, Mukono Police Division, and a Ministry of Lands zonal office to assess operations.

District officials, led by Chief Administrative Officer Henry Damba, told the IGG that services have been disrupted by the suspension of the District Service Commission. They said the move has created staffing gaps, shortages of medical supplies, and increased cases of government land grabbing.

Mukono Resident District Commissioner Fatuma Ndisaba appealed to the IGG to fast-track investigations into the commission to allow its reinstatement and support recruitment.

At Mukono Municipality, Deputy RDC Rhoda Titwe reported a surge in land grabbing cases, highlighting Nakagere UMEA Primary School in Goma Division, where school land was allegedly taken over by a private individual.

“Madam IGG, we ask you to intervene so that the Nakagere school land is rescued. We have written to several relevant authorities, but no action has been taken,” Titwe said.

She added that the municipality currently lacks public land for government projects, forcing authorities to purchase land for new developments.

In response, Justice Naluze advised district leaders to temporarily borrow services from other district service commissions to fill urgent vacancies and sustain operations.

She also expressed concern over corruption allegations within the Mukono District Service Commission and pledged to follow up on the stalled investigations.

At the Ministry of Lands zonal offices, the IGG team found more than 70 percent of staff absent, leaving dozens of citizens stranded without assistance.

Kakooza Savio ordered all absentee staff to report to IGG headquarters in Kampala on Monday to explain their absence before resuming duty.

The inspection team later visited Mukono Police Division custody as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and efficiency in public service.