President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly decided not to renew the contract of Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Olive Namisango Kamya Turwomwe. Kamya, who was appointed in 2021, is expected to leave office this August upon the expiry of her three-year term.
According to reliable sources within State House, the decision stems from concerns over Kamya’s failure to decisively tackle corruption, especially within high-ranking government institutions. Despite early expectations that her appointment would reinvigorate the fight against graft, critics argue that Kamya’s tenure has been marked by silence on major scandals and hesitancy to confront powerful figures within government circles.
Feared to Take on ‘Mafias’
It is alleged that Kamya failed to act effectively in part due to fear of “mafias” in government. Several observers note that she largely avoided confronting major corruption cartels that operate within ministries, departments, and government agencies.
A senior government official who preferred anonymity said, “The President had high hopes that Beti Kamya would clean house, but instead she avoided high-profile cases and played it safe. That’s not what the country needed.”
Controversy over Land Commissioner’s Arrest
The final straw reportedly came during the controversial arrest of Baker Mugaino, a Commissioner for Land Registration, who had been implementing a lawful court order in a long-standing land dispute. Kamya’s involvement in his arrest and removal from office triggered concern from the judiciary, civil society, and within State House itself.
It is understood that President Museveni was compelled to intervene personally after internal investigations revealed that Mugaino was executing a legitimate order and had not broken any law. The incident not only embarrassed the office of the IGG but also damaged its already fragile public reputation.
Missed Opportunities and Unresolved Scandals
Under Kamya’s leadership, the Inspectorate of Government failed to make progress on numerous corruption scandals that have plagued Uganda in recent years, including:
The iron sheets scandal, where relief materials intended for vulnerable communities in Karamoja were misappropriated by ministers and government officials.
The COVID-19 relief funds mismanagement, where billions were unaccounted for during the pandemic response.
Ongoing concerns about ghost workers and inflated payrolls in several districts and ministries.
The inflated Lubowa Hospital project, which has consumed hundreds of billions in government guarantees with minimal physical progress.
Although Kamya occasionally made media appearances and launched anti-corruption campaigns like the Lifestyle Audit campaign, critics argue that these efforts were more symbolic than practical.
What’s Next?
The government is yet to announce Kamya’s replacement, but insiders suggest the President is keen on appointing a more aggressive and independent figure—one who can resist political pressure and take on entrenched corruption without fear.
For many Ugandans, the hope is that the next IGG will bring renewed energy and seriousness to an office that was once one of the strongest anti-graft agencies in East Africa. As Uganda continues to lose billions annually to corruption, the need for a bold and effective watchdog is more urgent than ever.
