Kampala – Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairperson for Local Government, Hon. Betty Nambooze, has called for a balance between protecting taxpayers’ money and respecting the rule of law in the way government accountability matters are handled.
Nambooze acknowledged the efforts by the Ministry of Local Government to inspect and monitor the use of tax revenue funds, saying such oversight is important in ensuring public resources are properly managed.
However, she raised concerns over the approach being taken by Local Government Ministers, Hon.Hon. Balaam Barugahara and Hon. Justine Nameere emphasizing that accountability must always follow legal procedures and protect the rights of all parties involved.
She warned that judging individuals without giving them a fair opportunity to explain themselves risks turning accountability processes into what she described as “mob justice courts.”
According to Nambooze, government institutions must avoid actions that could later expose the state to legal challenges, financial losses, or damage to public trust.
“Protecting public funds must go together with protecting the law. Every person deserves a fair hearing before conclusions are reached,” she said.
Nambooze urged leaders and accountability bodies to ensure that the fight against misuse of public resources is carried out with fairness, transparency, and respect for justice.
She said true accountability is not only about identifying mistakes but also about ensuring that the process used to address them is fair and lawful.
