5th annual governance and security review calls for improved accountability

31 October 2026, 12:52 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Security agencies, human rights organisations and private sector partners have gathered in Kampala for the 5th Annual Governance and Security Programme (GSP) Review, organised by the Office of the President.

The review provides a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, identify challenges and strengthen collaboration in promoting good governance, human rights, accountability and national security.

The GSP thematic sub-programmes include security, policy and legislative processes, democratic processes, access to justice, refugee protection and immigration management, as well as anti-corruption and accountability.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, said the annual review provides an opportunity for stakeholders to reaffirm their responsibilities and recommit to the country’s development aspirations under Vision 2040.

Kakande urged the participants to remain focused on their respective mandates, noting that partnerships are essential in protecting the country’s achievements and strengthening peace and security.

“The 5th Annual Governance and Security Programme Review offers us a huge opportunity to reaffirm our mandate. I remind all of us here to remain focused in order to achieve our vision. Your partnership is a statement, and through this collaboration, we shall protect our gains,” he said.

He also reflected on Uganda’s history, noting that the country experienced instability during its early years of independence, but that the situation changed following the political transition in 1986.

Meanwhile, the Chief Guest, Minister for the Presidency and Chairperson of the Programme Leadership Committee, Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, whose speech was delivered by the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Minsa Kabanda, emphasised the importance of governance and security in achieving national development.

She urged participating agencies to use the review to identify existing challenges and develop practical solutions, particularly in improving access to justice and the protection of human rights.

“The GSP brings together 35 government agencies responsible for upholding the rule of law, ensuring security, maintaining law and order, access to justice, public policy governance, and promoting democracy, human rights, accountability and transparency. We reaffirm our joint commitment to building an integrated, people-centred governance and security delivery system for economic and social transformation,” she said.

According to the programme’s performance report, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has significantly strengthened Uganda’s national identity and security systems over the past five years.

The authority has renewed 14.2 million national identity cards, registered 8.9 million new citizens and 41,360 Ugandan nationals in the diaspora, and printed 6.56 million identity cards.

Cumulatively, 34.37 million Ugandans, representing 74.8 per cent of the estimated population of 45.9 million, have been registered, strengthening identity verification, border management, law enforcement and access to public services.

However, despite the progress registered over the past five years, stakeholders say more needs to be done, particularly in addressing human rights concerns and strengthening the implementation of the rule of law.

The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Oleru, challenged responsible agencies to eliminate complacency and work harder towards achieving Vision 2040.

She reminded the participants of the government’s emphasis on discipline and accountability, saying there should be no room for corruption or laxity in public service.

She also welcomed an acknowledgement by an Australian partner of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, noting its relevance in addressing contemporary governance challenges compared to Australia’s much older constitutional framework.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs expressed concern over the limited number of remand homes in the country, saying the existing seven facilities are insufficient.

The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr Patricia Achan, appreciated the participants for their contribution and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate.