In a grand and momentous celebration held Today, Thursday-October -12th, 2023, Kabale District came together to mark International Ombudsman Day at the District Council Hall, emphasizing the vital role of ombudsmen in achieving better public service delivery. The event, attended by numerous stakeholders, was a collaborative effort aimed at raising awareness of the Ombudsman's function within the Inspectorate General of Government (IGG).
The Primary Objective: A Call for Improved Public Awareness
This extraordinary gathering served as an opportunity for citizens to gain a clearer understanding of the pivotal role that ombudsmen play in ensuring fair and efficient public services. With the Kabale District at its heart, the event aimed to foster a collective spirit of accountability, transparency, and good governance, while promoting citizen engagement in the fight against corruption.
Key Participants Join the Cause
Notably, the "Kick Corruption Out of Uganda" organization (KICK-U) was an active participant in the commemoration, represented by Mr. Nabaasa Barnabas, who passionately addressed the audience. He highlighted a significant issue that often plagues the community: the lack of knowledge regarding where and how to report various grievances. Mr. Barnabas advocated for collaboration between institutions to enhance service delivery and expressed his gratitude to the IGG for their active engagement.
Mr. Barnabas also passionately urged the expansion of such engagements to the village level, emphasizing the need to reach every corner of the community.
The IGG's Vision for a Transparent Society
In response to the comments and discussions, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) underscored the importance of their role in serving the public. He acknowledged the misconceptions that people may have about public officials but emphasized that public servants must be prepared to be scrutinized. He reassured the attendees that those who provide information will always be protected and encouraged the community to fight for their rights and stand against corruption.
The IGG announced plans for radio talk shows and further initiatives to educate the community on good governance, emphasizing that transparency and accountability are essential to ensure justice. He reiterated the importance of maintaining confidentiality for those reporting issues and the principle that "My Integrity is not for sale."
Unity in the Fight Against Corruption
The Regional District Commissioner (RDC) of Kabale expressed his appreciation for the IGG's unprecedented engagement. He acknowledged that Kabale District's relationship with the IGG was a unique opportunity to interact with stakeholders. Highlighting the gravity of corruption in the nation, he labeled it as a significant problem and emphasized that collectively, it is the people's responsibility to combat it.
The RDC urged all attendees to begin the fight against corruption, calling for accountability transparency, and ultimately, justice for all. He commended the Chief Administrative Officer for their unyielding efforts against corruption in the District.
In closing, he expressed his gratitude to the IGG for orchestrating this vital engagement and extended heartfelt thanks to all participants.
A Unifying Call to Action
The commemoration of International Ombudsman Day in Kabale District stands as a resounding call to action, reminding all citizens of their role in holding public officials accountable and fighting corruption. With a united spirit of transparency and justice, Kabale District pledged to champion better service delivery for the benefit of its community.
