Gulu City, Uganda: The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr Patricia Okiria Achan, has warned civil servants in Gulu District to declare their income, assets and liabilities or face legal penalties.
Dr Okiria issued the directive during a meeting with civil servants and Chief Administrative Officers from the Acholi sub-region held at the Gulu District CAO’s boardroom ahead of the April 2026 nationwide declaration exercise.
Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy IGG emphasized that wealth declaration is mandatory under the Leadership Code.
“Section Five of the Leadership Code requires all public officers to declare their income, assets and liabilities every five years in the month of April,” she said. “This requirement is not optional.”
Dr Okiria noted that the exercise is central to promoting transparency and accountability in public service. She explained that wealth declaration plays a key role in preventing corruption, illicit enrichment and conflict of interest among public officials.
“Declaring income, assets and liabilities helps to promote transparency and detect corruption in public service,” she said, adding that the process also strengthens public trust in government institutions by ensuring leaders remain accountable.
The Deputy IGG tasked Chief Administrative Officers and heads of institutions to ensure their staff comply with the law. “I appeal to accounting officers to ensure all eligible staff submit their declarations within the stipulated time. Failure to comply may attract penalties,” she warned.
Gulu District Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, James Okettayot, welcomed the engagement, saying it would improve compliance among civil servants. “We appreciate the Inspectorate of Government for sensitising our staff. We shall ensure that all public servants in Gulu comply,” Okettayot said.
The Inspectorate of Government confirmed that the nationwide declaration exercise will be conducted in April 2026 as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and combat corruption in public service.
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