KAMPALA – The newly elected Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on Local Government (PAC LG), Betty Nambooze Bakireke, has pledged to lead the committee with fairness, integrity and strict observance of the law as it steps up oversight of public expenditure in local governments across Uganda.
Speaking after assuming office, Nambooze said the committee would fully exercise the powers granted to it by Parliament, including summoning witnesses, conducting investigations and recommending action against individuals found culpable. However, she stressed that the committee would remain professional and uphold the principles of natural justice throughout its work.
“We shall use our powers to the fullest, but we shall behave like civilized people. I will not allow this committee to behave like a mob. Civil servants must not be treated as already convicted criminals. They deserve to be heard,” Nambooze said.
The Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament urged committee members to base their decisions on evidence, the law and the findings of the Auditor General rather than political interests or emotions.
She warned that investigations conducted without due process could expose government to costly litigation and ultimately undermine accountability efforts.
“Our processes must be so clean that no court of law will overturn them. When justice is not properly administered, culprits get an opportunity to escape through litigation,” she said.
Nambooze outlined five priorities that will guide the committee during its term. They include thoroughly reviewing Auditor General’s reports and relevant laws before committee sittings, making evidence-based decisions, resisting corruption, clearing the committee’s backlog of cases through field inspections, and fostering cooperation among members regardless of their political affiliations.
She also cautioned legislators against accepting gifts, favours or hospitality from accounting officers and other public officials, warning that even seemingly harmless gestures could compromise the committee’s independence.
“There are many temptations. A telephone call from a Chief Administrative Officer, an invitation to dinner by a district engineer or a gift from a district treasury officer may be enough to compromise you. Stay away from such temptations,” she said.
Nambooze emphasized that field visits would become a key part of the committee’s work, enabling members to verify the implementation of government projects and interact directly with communities instead of relying solely on documents presented before Parliament.
She further appealed to members to put aside partisan interests while executing the committee’s constitutional mandate, saying public accountability should be pursued for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Addressing journalists after taking office, Nambooze called on the media to support the committee’s efforts by highlighting issues of accountability and ensuring the public remains informed about its work.
She said the committee’s success over the next two and a half years would be measured by tangible improvements in public financial management.
“In these two and a half years, we shall be judged by results—money recovered, wastage stopped and services delivered,” she said.
