IGG POWER WAR! Ntare Headmaster Arrest, Dramatic Release Expose Deep Divisions at Anti-Graft Body: Staff Demoralized, Question Chain Of Command
IGG Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala (C) pictured together with Deputy Inspectors General of Government, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria and Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, together with the Secretary to the Inspectorate of Government, Rose N. Kafeero
KAMPALA – The dramatic arrest and subsequent release of Ntare School Headmaster Saul Rwampororo has reportedly opened a fresh battle for control within the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), with deepening divisions among senior officials threatening to undermine confidence in the country’s anti-corruption watchdog.
What began as an investigation into an alleged Shs110.8 million financial loss at one of Uganda’s prestigious schools has now turned into an internal power struggle, with questions emerging over who actually calls the shots at the Inspectorate.
Highly placed sources at the IGG have told Red Pepper that the events surrounding Rwampororo’s arrest and release have left several staff members shocked, frustrated and questioning the institution’s commitment on war against graft and command structure.
The biggest concern, according to insiders, is that investigators spend months gathering evidence, compiling files and preparing cases, only for decisions made by other senior officials to allegedly frustrate their work.
Some staffers are reportedly wondering whether the institution can effectively fight corruption when decisions involving suspects and ongoing investigations are allegedly being made without proper internal consultation.
The Ntare incident has reportedly exposed competing power centres within the Inspectorate, with staff questioning whether established procedures and the authority of the IGG were respected.
And at the centre of the storm is the controversial decision to release Rwampororo while he and his co-accused were reportedly being transported to Kampala to answer corruption-related charges.
THE FALLOUT TRIGGER
The drama started on Wednesday, October 28, when IGG investigators from the Mbarara Regional Office arrested Rwampororo, his predecessor Jimmy Turyagenda and former school typist Peace Kebirungi.
The trio were arrested over allegations of abuse of office and causing government a financial loss of Shs110,877,900 through irregular salary payments, allowances and retirement benefits allegedly paid to Kebirungi.
According to the Inspectorate, Kebirungi allegedly presented a false university admission letter in October 2015 to secure study leave with pay.
However, investigators allege that she subsequently absconded from duty but continued receiving her government salary for years.
The IGG’s findings indicate that she received salaries between September 2015 and August 2024 despite allegedly not reporting for work.
Turyagenda and Rwampororo, who successively headed Ntare School during the period under investigation, are accused of concealing her absence and allowing the irregular payments to continue.
Investigators further allege that the two headteachers authorised allowances for Kebirungi from school fees, creating the impression that she was still performing her duties.
The allegations do not end there.
In 2023, Kebirungi reportedly applied for early retirement. Her application was subsequently forwarded by Rwampororo despite questions about her eligibility arising from her alleged prolonged absence from duty.
She retired in 2024 and allegedly received terminal benefits, including gratuity and monthly pension payments.
By February 6, 2026, when investigations were reportedly concluded, the Inspectorate said the total amount allegedly received irregularly had reached Shs110,877,900.
In a statement announcing the arrests, the IGG said the case demonstrated the need to protect public resources and hold public officers accountable.
“The Inspectorate of Government remains committed to fighting corruption, promoting accountability and ensuring that public resources are utilised for their intended purposes,” the statement read.
But while the Inspectorate appeared ready to take the suspects through the next stage of the criminal justice process, an unexpected twist was reportedly unfolding behind the scenes.
DRAMATIC RELEASE ON THE WAY TO KAMPALA!
Sources familiar with the operation told Red Pepper that following their arrest, the three suspects were placed in a vehicle and started the journey from Mbarara towards Kampala.
They were reportedly expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court on the same day to answer to the allegations.
However, the journey allegedly took an unexpected turn around Masaka.
According to highly placed sources, a telephone directive was received instructing that Rwampororo be released.
The alleged directive reportedly came from a senior IGG official who was not Inspector General of Government Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala.
Sources claim the official argued that the arrest of the Ntare headmaster during the ongoing Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) examinations could interfere with the smooth coordination of the Senior Four and Senior Six examinations.
And just like that, Rwampororo was reportedly set free before reaching Kampala.
The circumstances surrounding the release have since become a major talking point within the Inspectorate.
Staffers are reportedly questioning how an operation that had already been sanctioned could be interrupted midway, and whether the decision was made through the proper chain of command.
Shortly after his release, Rwampororo issued a statement seeking to reassure parents, students, former students and other stakeholders of Ntare School.
He confirmed that the IGG was conducting inquiries into the matter but maintained that the school was cooperating with the investigations.
“The Media has been awash with the news of my arrest, former headteacher and a former staff over causing financial loss to government,” he said.
He added that he was back at school carrying out his normal duties and overseeing the UNEB examinations.
“I want to assure the parents, students, OBs and all well wishers of Ntare School that the IGG is conducting inquiries over the matter and we are not only in support but also cooperating with the IGG in this matter.”
Rwampororo further expressed confidence in the Inspectorate’s ability to handle the matter professionally.
“I would like to assure the public that the IGG is competent and will professionally handle this matter to its logical conclusion,” he said.
IGG BATALA BYPASSED
The controversy has reportedly become even more sensitive because of the circumstances under which the arrest operation was conducted.
Red Pepper understands that Lady Justice Batala was outside the country on official engagements when the arrests were carried out.
Sources familiar with the investigation claim Batala had received the investigation report and was satisfied that the suspects had a case to answer, and sanctioned the decision to proceed with their arrest before leaving the country.
Before travelling, she had reportedly left Deputy Inspector General of Government Dr Patricia Achan Okiria in charge as Acting IGG.
Dr Okiria, according to insiders, was aware of the operation and was exercising the responsibilities of the Acting IGG at the time.
However, sources allege that another senior official at IGG (names withheld for now) subsequently intervened to secure Rwampororo’s release without consulting Okiria.
This is the development that has reportedly triggered anger and disbelief among some staff members.
“Everyone is shocked. Directors, managers and even cleaners are not happy,” one source familiar with the internal discussions told Red Pepper.
The source added that some employees were questioning why the institution should commit resources to investigations, only for suspects to be released through decisions allegedly made internally without consultation.
“They are wondering why resources are spent on investigations, cases prepared and everything, only for culprits to be released on orders of the same people inside IGG without even consultations,” the source said.
The source’s remarks reflect the frustration reportedly building among some employees over what they view as conflicting decisions within the institution.
BATALA UNDER PRESSURE?
The incident has reportedly placed the leadership of Lady Justice Batala under fresh scrutiny, with insiders questioning whether the Inspectorate has a coherent command structure.
Some staff members are reportedly concerned that the Ntare incident could damage the institution’s credibility, particularly at a time when Ugandans expect the anti-corruption watchdog to pursue accountability without fear or favour.
The alleged internal disagreements also raise questions about the relationship between investigators, directors and top management, especially when enforcement decisions are being implemented.
Sources say the matter has left Batala with difficult questions to address and she is also reportedly pondering many things in her head at the moment.
For an institution mandated to investigate corruption, abuse of office and misuse of public resources, the optics of an arrest being followed by an unexplained release are bound to attract public scrutiny.
However, the Inspectorate’s official position on the circumstances of Rwampororo’s release remains crucial.
Was the release based on an operational decision, a legal consideration, examination-related concerns or an intervention by an individual official?
Red Pepper has contacted the Inspectorate of Government for a comment regarding the release, the alleged directive and claims of internal disagreements among senior officials.
The Inspectorate’s response will be published when received.
More details to follow.
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