The Head of the Anti-Corruption Unit–State House Uganda (SH-ACU), Brig Gen Henry Isoke, has called on Local Government leaders across Uganda to strengthen accountability, promote transparency, and improve service delivery as part of efforts to fight corruption.

Brig Gen Isoke made the call while addressing Local Government leaders at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala during an engagement organized by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. The meeting focused on the implementation of President Yoweri Museveni’s directives on exposing and eliminating corruption in Uganda.

The engagement brought together Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Chairpersons, District Service Commission Chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers, technical officers, and other Local Government leaders from across the country.

Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, called on local government leaders to fully support the Anti-Corruption team of ministers deployed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to expose and eliminate corruption across the country.

Brig Gen Isoke described accountability as a foundation for effective governance and public trust. He urged political leaders to strengthen oversight of Government programmes, while technical officers ensure that public resources are managed according to the law and that Government projects achieve their intended results.

He called on Local Government authorities to improve internal controls, supervision, and performance management while ensuring that recommendations from audits, Public Accounts Committees, and investigations are implemented promptly.

The SH-ACU head stressed that corruption must be addressed through firm action, including disciplinary measures, prosecution where necessary, and recovery of misappropriated public resources.

He also identified transparency as a critical safeguard against corruption, urging Local Governments to promote openness in planning, budgeting, procurement, financial management, and recruitment processes.

Brig Gen Isoke emphasized the importance of merit-based recruitment and compliance with established procedures to prevent bribery, nepotism, conflicts of interest, and political interference in public service.

He noted that the success of governance should be reflected in the quality of services delivered to citizens. He therefore urged leaders to strengthen monitoring of Government programmes and projects, ensure value for money, and support timely completion of public projects.

According to Brig Gen Isoke, fighting corruption requires cooperation among different institutions. He called for stronger collaboration between Local Governments, accountability bodies, and law enforcement agencies, including the Anti-Corruption Unit–State House Uganda, Inspectorate of Government, Office of the Auditor General Uganda, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Police Force, Criminal Investigations Directorate, Internal Security Organisation, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority, Financial Intelligence Authority, Ministry of Local Government, and RDC structures.

He encouraged these institutions to share information, support investigations, conduct joint monitoring and inspections, and operate within their respective mandates.

Brig Gen Isoke commended Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi for reviving the "Expose the Corrupt National Campaign", saying the initiative would help strengthen accountability and intensify efforts to address corruption in Local Governments.

He called on Local Government leaders to support the campaign by fulfilling their constitutional and legal responsibilities, protecting public resources, improving service delivery, and restoring public confidence in Government institutions.

He also encouraged citizens to monitor Government programmes, demand accountability, and report suspected cases of corruption through established reporting channels.