Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG) Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe has challenged senior leaders in Uganda’s health sector to embrace a culture of accountability, integrity, and transparency, warning that institutions can only succeed when those entrusted with leadership take responsibility for their actions.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health Top Management Retreat in Kampala, Muhairwe said effective healthcare delivery depends not only on policies and structures but also on leaders who are committed to ethical decision-making, proper management of resources, and putting citizens’ interests first.While delivering a presentation titled “Strengthening Accountability and Transparency: Reflections for the Health Sector,” the Deputy IGG explained that systems and policies alone cannot guarantee good governance unless leaders actively enforce them and create an environment where accountability becomes part of everyday operations.“Policies do not implement themselves.
Systems do not enforce themselves. It is leaders who shape organisational culture, influence behaviour, and determine whether accountability becomes part of everyday practice,” Muhairwe said, emphasizing the critical role of leadership in transforming institutions.She urged Ministry of Health officials to focus on building sustainable systems that will continue benefiting Ugandans beyond the time of individual leaders, calling for stronger governance practices, transparent procurement, responsible use of public funds, and improved handling of complaints within the health sector.
Muhairwe further encouraged leaders to protect and support whistleblowers and internal auditors, saying they should be considered valuable partners in identifying weaknesses and preventing failures rather than being viewed as threats to management.Quoting renowned leadership expert John Maxwell, she reminded the officials that “everything rises and falls on leadership,” noting that the future success of Uganda’s healthcare system will largely depend on the quality of choices made by those managing the sector.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi welcomed the guidance from the Deputy IGG and called on ministry leaders to implement the recommendations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to working with the Inspectorate of Government to strengthen accountability, transparency, and better healthcare services for Ugandans.
