IGG Gives 33 Defaulters Until January 2027 to Clear Shs 1.7 Billion Plea-Bargain Debts

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has issued a final warning to 33 individuals, giving them until January 8, 2027, to clear outstanding balances totaling approximately Shs 1.689 billion. The debts stem from previous plea-bargain agreements handled by the anti-corruption agency.

Defaulters have been instructed to report in person to the IG offices carrying verifiable proof of payment. This requirement will allow the Inspectorate to accurately reconcile outstanding accounts. Justice Batala emphasized that failure to meet this deadline will trigger severe enforcement actions, including the initiation of fresh criminal prosecutions.

Topping the list of debtors are Umar Katongole and his wife, Hawah Ssengendo, who jointly owe a staggering Shs 1 billion. Their case dates back to July 2019, when the couple faced charges at the Anti-Corruption Court for illicit enrichment and money laundering during Katongole’s tenure as a government engineer. Although they later sought an out-of-court settlement by surrendering land titles and committing to cash payments, the cash component remains unpaid years later.

Other individuals on the notice include Lillian Ogobi, Jimmy Patty Odera, and Denis Sebunya, with 26 others owing varying amounts ranging from Shs 1.82 million to Shs 30.3 million. This crackdown follows a similar public notice issued earlier in the year targeting public officials over unfulfilled financial obligations.

While plea-bargain agreements under the Judicature Rules allow accused persons to negotiate lesser sentences by refunding misappropriated public funds, critics continue to question the vast gap between ordered recoveries and actual collections. In recent parliamentary performance reports, the Inspectorate noted low cash collections compared to billions ordered for recovery, raising concerns over asset-tracing capacities.

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