By Ben MusanjeThe Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG), Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, has challenged the Ministry of Health’s top management to translate accountability principles into action, saying strong leadership is the foundation for building resilient institutions and delivering quality healthcare services.Muhairwe said that while policies, systems and procedures provide the framework for good governance, it is accountable leadership that determines whether institutions effectively serve citizens.She made the remarks while making a presentation titled “Strengthening Accountability and Transparency: Reflections for the Health Sector” at the Ministry of Health’s Top Management Retreat in Kampala, where senior officials gathered to review strategic priorities and identify measures to improve health service delivery and institutional performance.The DIGG told health sector leaders that effective institutions are built through deliberate leadership choices that shape organizational culture, influence staff behaviour and embed accountability into everyday operations.She emphasized that policies and systems alone cannot guarantee results unless leaders take responsibility for implementing them and ensuring that public institutions remain focused on serving citizens.Muhairwe urged the ministry’s top officials to focus on building sustainable systems that can withstand leadership transitions and continue delivering results beyond the tenure of individual office holders.She challenged them to prioritizes the public interest by ensuring that government resources are managed prudently, procurement processes are conducted transparently, public complaints are addressed promptly and staff are supported to perform effectively.The DIGG, citing leadership expert John Maxwell’s assertion that “everything rises and falls on leadership,” said the future of Uganda’s health sector largely depends on the decisions made by those entrusted with managing it.She noted that daily leadership decisions have far-reaching consequences for millions of Ugandans who depend on public health services.Muhairwe also stressed the importance of creating a workplace environment where employees can freely raise concerns without fear of retaliation, urging managers to view whistleblowers and internal auditors as partners in strengthening governance rather than as obstacles.She said accountability mechanisms should be embraced as tools for improving performance, preventing institutional failure and protecting public resources.The DIGG assured the Ministry of Health leadership that the Inspectorate of Government remains committed to partnering with the sector to strengthen governance systems, promote transparency and improve service delivery.She encouraged the officials to move beyond discussions and ensure that resolutions from the retreat translate into measurable action, saying the country expects implementation and not just deliberation.Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi commended the DIGG’s presentation and urged ministry leaders to take decisive action on the issues raised.He said the Ministry of Health remained committed to working with the Inspectorate of Government to strengthen accountability and build a health system that delivers better services to Ugandans.The engagement comes as the Ministry begins a new financial year, providing an opportunity for its leadership to address governance gaps and strengthen systems that support effective service delivery.The DIGG’s message centred on transformational leadership anchored in integrity, accountability and service, with emphasis on placing citizens’ welfare at the heart of government decision-making.The Inspectorate of Government continues to promote accountability, transparency and integrity among public officers as part of efforts to strengthen public institutions and improve service delivery across the country.Muhairwe was accompanied by Gerald Gwaira, Director of Research, Education and Advocacy, and Savio Kakooza Ntensibe, Director of Ombudsman Affairs. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).