By: Ismael Kasooha
KAMPALA
President Yoweri Museveni has asked Ugandans to demand accountability from their leaders if the country is to fight against corruption.
“It is my clarion call to all citizens to demand accountability from their leaders and report incidences of corruption to the Anti-Corruption Agencies. The war on corruption requires concerted effort from all stakeholders. Individual failure and inaction will be our collective failure as citizens,” noted Museveni.
This was contained in the President’s message delivered for him by the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja as the country joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Anti-corruption day.
Ethics and integrity state minister Rose Lilly Akello welcoming the Premier at Munyonyo
The president was happy to note that the Anti-Corruption Agencies are working collaboratively with other State and Non-State Actors and have demonstrated firm commitment to implementing the vision of Zero Tolerance to corruption and enforcing Anti-Corruption laws.
“As you all know, there is a strong connection between services being offered by the government and corruption incidents occurring. Indeed, corruption is prevalent where government services are in great demand by the people. Therefore, to be effective in fighting corruption, I call upon Anti-Corruption Agencies to map out all the critical public services that are demanded by citizens on regular basis and to identify the Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Local Governments that are at high risk and prone to corruption. Once this is done, appropriate strategies to fight corruption and unethical practices should be developed,” his statement read in part.
He said that there is a need to digitize delivery of services where possible to minimize face to face interactions, strengthening internal and
“Let us continue to build a society that is transparent, accountable and just, a society where corruption is not tolerated and where everyone has access to opportunities and public resources,” he noted.
The President commended the Anti-corruption agencies for their efforts in the fight against corruption.
“The Anti-Corruption Agencies; we say thank you for your hard work, your perseverance and your commitments to creating a corruption free society. We recognize that your work is highly risky, but we assure you of the Government’s commitment in the fight against corruption in Uganda,” said the president.
The International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 was commemorated under the theme, “Promoting Effective Participation of the Youth in the War Against Corruption”. The theme emphasizes the key role of young people in combating corruption, fostering transparency and building a future in integrity.
“The government is very committed to ending corruption in Uganda. As you all aware, our unwavering commitment to combat corruption dates back to the liberation struggle during the Bush War, where we articulated the need for accountability and integrity under the Ten-Point Programme of the National Resistance Movement (NRM),” noted the President.
The Premier being ushered in at Anti Corruption conference Munyonyo
He said that Point Number 7 of the programme emphasized the elimination of corruption and the misuse of power, recognizing these as critical barriers to national development and good governance.
“It should be noted that the country has made remarkable strides in strengthening the legal and institutional anti-corruption framework, key international and regional conventions have been ratified, demonstrating Uganda’s firm commitment to combating corruption at all levels,” he said.
The President explained that the NRM Manifesto for 2021–2026 further solidifies this commitment, prioritizing Zero Tolerance to corruption.
“This is a clear testament to the resolution to ensure that Uganda achieves its development goals. The NRM Government issued 23 Presidential Directives, among which Directive No. 5 specifically focuses on intensifying the fight against corruption,” he emphasized.
The president assured Ugandans that the Government has committed to strengthen the capacity of Anti-Corruption Agencies to effectively and efficiently handle the fight against corruption under the National Development Plan IV.
“As you are aware, our country is implementing Vision 2040 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The development plans aim at transforming Uganda into a middle-income status, providing a high quality life to citizens by the year 2040,” he said.
Although Uganda is blessed with numerous natural resources, a relatively well developed infrastructure, an educated youth and hardworking workforce as well as its strategic location in the region, we cannot achieve this goal without eradicating corruption.
This day, recognized globally on December 9th, was established through United Nations General Assembly Resolution 58/4 on October 31, 2003. Uganda commemorating this day demonstrates our commitment to the global fight against corruption and to the principles of integrity, accountability and transparency.
The head of state said that Corruption undermines the rule of law, erodes trust in public institutions and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, especially the young people who make up about 78% of Uganda’s population.
“Rising incidences of corruption in Uganda have increasingly drawn public attention, sparking discussions in the media and among citizens. If not addressed, corruption may hinder the achievement of Vision 2040 and other development goals, he noted.
The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah poses for a photo with children at Munyonyo after commemorating the Anti-corruption day
Museveni said that it is evident that we can only succeed if we have a public service that manages public resources prudently and ethically and which operates efficiently.
He said that Ugandans must therefore, be cautious on how public resources are used in order for us to ensure our development goals are achieved as envisaged.
The President appealed to the private sector, professional organizations, media, the civil society, religious leaders, cultural institutions and indeed all Ugandans, to be actively involved in the fight against corruption.
“Let us all move beyond the practice of decrying the prevalence of corruption within Government and join hands in doing what each one of us can do to eradicate this vice from our society. It is important that all members of the public are moved to the point where the high awareness levels we have today on corruption, translate into action against it,” Museveni said.
Betty Turwomwe Kamya, the Inspector General of Government said that Ugandans are glorifying the corrupt and despising the non-corrupt people, referring to them as failures.
“The mind set of Ugandans about corrupt people must change otherwise we cannot win the war on corruption,” said Kamya.
Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Children and Youth, called upon the government to follow up on properties and assets owned by the corrupt in foreign countries and freeze them for the benefit of Ugandans.
He said some people steal public funds and invest it in foreign countries which deprives Ugandans service delivery.
End
