The Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) has condemned what it describes as the arbitrary arrest and public humiliation of engineering professionals working in local governments, warning that such actions risk undermining both the engineering profession and the country’s anti-corruption efforts.
In a statement issued , UIPE President Eng. Peterson Mwesiga expressed concern over recent reports of engineers and other technical officers being arrested in districts such as Bulambuli and Mbale by ministers and other senior government officials during public engagements.
While reaffirming the institution’s support for President Yoweri Museveni’s intensified campaign against corruption, UIPE cautioned that the fight against graft must be conducted within the law and with respect for professional processes.
“UIPE fully supports His Excellency the President’s renewed crackdown on corruption. However, the gains of this fight are lost when it is reduced to a public spectacle, theatrical grandstanding and a show of might for the cameras by overzealous officials,” said Eng. Peterson Mwesiga, President of UIPE.
Mwesiga said engineering is a highly regulated profession whose members deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness. He argued that technical matters, including the quality of infrastructure works and compliance with project specifications, should be assessed through competent technical investigations rather than being determined during public rallies.
“Arresting engineers arbitrarily, without understanding the planned scope of works and quality specifications, only serves to humiliate and demoralize technical staff and ultimately worsens service delivery. Such actions must be preceded by adequate investigations and follow due process,” Mwesiga stated.
The institution also questioned why political leaders should assume the role of arresting officers based on allegations raised during public meetings, instead of allowing investigative agencies supported by qualified technical experts to establish the facts.
UIPE announced that it has launched its own investigations into the reported arrests and pledged to defend any members whose rights may have been violated.
“Engineering professionals in the civil and public service shall no longer be soft targets or punching bags for ministers scapegoating the real systemic issues affecting public infrastructure projects,” Mwesiga said.
Despite its concerns, UIPE reiterated its commitment to supporting the government’s anti-corruption agenda and offered to provide technical expertise to assist in investigations involving public infrastructure projects.
The institution said it will continue engaging government and relevant ministries on issues affecting engineering practice in Uganda while advocating for professionalism, accountability and respect for due process.
