Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala has urged newly appointed commissioners to reject improper favours, protect confidential information and declare their assets as they begin their constitutional duties.
Inspector General of Government (IGG) Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala has warned newly appointed members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) against accepting gifts that could compromise their impartiality or abusing their offices for personal gain.
Naluzze issued the warning on Tuesday while addressing the commissioners during a weeklong induction programme at Serena Kigo, where she delivered a presentation on ethics, integrity, handling gifts, lobbying and the management of confidential information in public office.
She cautioned the commissioners against accepting gifts, favours or hospitality that could create obligations to favour particular individuals or influence official decisions.
“Public offices are meant to be exercised in the public interest, not for personal gain or the benefit of particular individuals,” Naluzze said.
She advised the commissioners to declare gifts received in their official capacity, maintain proper records and reject or report gifts that could amount to attempted bribery.
Naluzze also warned against accepting gifts in exchange for services, contracts or favourable official decisions, urging the commissioners to report such attempts through the appropriate channels.
She said ethics and integrity were fundamental to credible public service, explaining that ethical principles guide right and wrong conduct, while integrity requires public officers to do what is right even when faced with pressure, temptation or personal disadvantage.
The IGG identified honesty, accountability, transparency, impartiality, professionalism, confidentiality, respect, justice and fairness as essential values that should guide the commissioners in executing their constitutional mandate.
She further cautioned them against disclosing confidential official information without authorisation or using sensitive information for personal benefit or to give particular individuals an unfair advantage.
Naluzze reminded the commissioners that public officers are custodians of official information and must ensure that any disclosure is made through authorised channels.
She also urged them to treat all citizens fairly, avoid favouritism and ensure that decisions are based on established procedures rather than personal interests or external influence.
Ethical leadership, she added, was essential to institutional performance, effective service delivery and public trust.
The induction programme, held under the theme “Strengthening Constitutional Leadership, Integrity and Excellence in Uganda’s Public Service Commission,” is intended to equip the newly appointed commissioners with the knowledge and ethical grounding needed to discharge their responsibilities independently, impartially and accountably.
Welcoming the IGG, PSC Secretary Dr Godfrey Mbabazi said she was well placed to guide the commissioners on ethics and integrity because of the central role these principles play in public administration.
Naluzze wished the commissioners success in their new roles and reminded them to submit their declarations of income, assets and liabilities by January 16, 2027, in accordance with the Leadership Code Act, Cap. 33.