The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has urged newly appointed members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to uphold ethics, integrity and professionalism in executing their constitutional mandate.
Batala said public officers must make decisions in the public interest, guided by established procedures rather than personal interests, favouritism or external influence. “Public offices are meant to be exercised in the public interest, not for personal gain or the benefit of particular individuals,” she said.
The IGG made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while addressing the commissioners during their weeklong induction programme at Serena Kigo. Her presentation focused on Ethics and Integrity, Handling Gifts, Lobbying and Confidential Information in Public Office.
The induction, held under the theme “Strengthening Constitutional Leadership, Integrity and Excellence in Uganda’s Public Service Commission,” seeks to equip the commissioners with the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding needed to perform their duties independently, impartially and accountably.
The nine-member commission is chaired by Vincent Seruma, deputised by Jane Sanyu Mpangi. The other members are Dr Anthony Taabu Munyaho, Dr Hanifah Namaala Sengendo, Dr Opio Alex Achol, Florence Mugonya Malinga, Kenneth Namboga Madete, Patrick Ngolobe and Mauda Norah Mugisha. The commissioners were sworn in on October 16, 2026.
Welcoming Batala, the Secretary to the PSC, Dr Godfrey Mbabazi, said she was well placed to guide the inductees on ethics and integrity because of the importance of these principles in the execution of public duties. In her presentation, Batala explained that ethics provide standards for distinguishing right from wrong, while integrity involves consistently doing what is right even when faced with pressure, temptation or personal disadvantage.
She highlighted honesty, accountability, transparency, impartiality, professionalism, confidentiality, respect, justice and fairness as key values that should guide the commissioners. Batala urged the members to treat all citizens fairly and equally, respect colleagues and the public, and ensure that official decisions are not influenced by personal relationships or outside pressure.
On gifts and hospitality, the IGG warned against soliciting or accepting offers that could compromise impartiality or create an obligation to favour the giver. She advised the commissioners to declare gifts received in their official capacity, maintain proper records and reject or report offers that could amount to attempted bribery.
Gifts offered in exchange for a service, contract, favour or official decision, she emphasised, should be rejected and reported through the appropriate channels. Batala also cautioned against the unauthorised disclosure or use of confidential official information for personal gain or to give particular individuals an unfair advantage. She reminded the commissioners that public officers are custodians of official information and should disclose it only through authorised channels.
The IGG further emphasised that ethical conduct is essential to institutional performance, credible service delivery and public confidence in government institutions. She wished the commissioners success in their term of office and urged them to follow lawful procedures when making decisions affecting individuals and public institutions. Batala also reminded the commissioners to submit their declarations of income, assets, and liabilities by January 16, 2027, as required under the Leadership Code Act, Cap. 33-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
