Govt drafts rules to recover assets from corrupt officials

The Ugandan government has begun drafting new regulations aimed at strengthening the confiscation and recovery of assets acquired through corruption. The proposed Anti-Corruption (Confiscation and Recovery Orders) Rules, 2026 will provide clear procedures for identifying, valuing, managing, and disposing of property belonging to individuals convicted of corruption.

Speaking during a validation meeting in Kampala, Under Secretary in the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity, Joel Wanjala, said existing laws provide for asset confiscation but lack detailed procedures on how recovered assets should be assessed, managed, and accounted for. He noted that authorities have faced challenges regarding valuation, income management, accountability, and disposal of confiscated property.

The draft rules were developed by the Inter-Agency Forum Legal Task Force after the Chief Justice authorized the process in May 2024. The task force comprises the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity, anti-corruption agencies, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the Uganda Law Reform Commission. The proposed regulations will now be submitted to the Judiciary Law Reform Committee for consideration.
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Inspector General of Government Aisha Naluzze Batala said the absence of detailed confiscation procedures has created a significant legal gap, hindering efforts to recover assets obtained through corruption. The move comes amid ongoing government efforts to trace, value, and dispose of properties recovered from corrupt public officials.
Daily Monitor UG​