Kampala most corrupt district Uganda—this conclusion came from the Inspectorate of Government’s latest report presented to Parliament by IGG Beti Kamya on Monday.
Between July and December 2024, the Inspectorate reviewed 134 districts. Kampala topped the list with 253 corruption cases, far ahead of Wakiso (56), Mbale (44), Masaka (34), and Mukono (32). On the other end, districts like Buhweju, Bukedea, Kalaki, Karenga, Luuka, and Nabilatuk each registered only one case, ranking as the least corrupt.
The Inspectorate received 1,347 complaints during the review period. It sanctioned 1,193 of them for investigation and concluded 1,267. These included 552 corruption-related cases, 391 Ombudsman complaints, and 324 breaches of the Leadership Code.
IGG Kamya credited the rise in completed investigations and recoveries to prosecution-led case handling and increased public engagement. She also noted better internal coordination.
Kampala, Wakiso, Mbale, and Mukono repeatedly appear in the top corruption rankings. Kampala had already led the previous report from January to June 2024 with 224 cases, indicating a consistent year-on-year rise. New entries like Masaka and Jinja replaced previously high-ranking districts such as Mbarara, Rakai, and Kabarole, which recorded fewer cases this time.
IGG spokesperson Munira Ali offered insight into Kampala’s persistent top ranking. “Kampala is large, with many divisions and a significant budget. Most government offices are also based here, naturally resulting in more cases,” she explained.
Beyond district-level corruption, the IGG investigated 18 high-profile cases across national institutions. These involved embezzlement, misuse of funds, abuse of office, and financial loss. Agencies such as the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company, Electoral Commission, and Kampala Capital City Authority faced scrutiny.
In total, the IGG completed 360 cases in ministries and local governments. These efforts recommended the recovery of Shs8 billion, issued 600 administrative sanctions, and referred 16 public officials for prosecution. So far, authorities have recovered Shs4.2 billion.
Kampala’s repeated lead in corruption cases signals a need for stronger oversight and reform. Although the IGG continues to make gains, high-risk districts demand more aggressive strategies to stop the cycle of misconduct.
