What are the functions and powers of the government ombudsman in Uganda??
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Feb 13
The government ombudsman in Uganda, also known as the Inspectorate of Government, is responsible for promoting good governance, accountability, and transparency in the public sector. The functions and powers of the government ombudsman in Uganda include:
1. Investigating complaints: The ombudsman has the power to receive and investigate complaints from individuals or groups regarding maladministration, corruption, abuse of power, or violation of human rights by public officials or institutions.
2. Conducting inquiries: The ombudsman can initiate inquiries into any matter within its jurisdiction, even without a specific complaint, if it believes there is evidence of maladministration or corruption.
3. Prosecuting corruption cases: The ombudsman has the power to prosecute corruption cases in court. It can investigate and gather evidence, and if there is sufficient evidence, it can initiate criminal proceedings against the accused.
4. Monitoring public institutions: The ombudsman monitors the performance of public institutions to ensure they adhere to principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability. It can conduct audits, inspections, and evaluations to assess compliance.
5. Promoting ethical conduct: The ombudsman promotes ethical conduct and integrity in the public sector. It provides guidance and advice to public officials on ethical standards and conducts awareness campaigns to educate the public on their rights and responsibilities.
6. Recommending reforms: Based on its investigations and inquiries, the ombudsman can make recommendations for policy and legal reforms to improve governance, prevent corruption, and enhance public service delivery.
7. Protecting whistleblowers: The ombudsman provides protection to whistleblowers who report corruption or maladministration. It ensures their confidentiality and takes measures to prevent retaliation or victimization.
8. Collaborating with other institutions: The ombudsman collaborates with other government agencies, law enforcement bodies, civil society organizations, and international partners to combat corruption, promote good governance, and protect human rights.
It is important to note that the functions and powers of the government ombudsman may vary depending on the specific legislation and regulations in place in Uganda.