KAMPALA – Uganda’s corruption crisis is a complex issue that has plagued the country for years. The estimated UGX 9.14 trillion lost annually to corruption is staggering, earning Uganda a rank of 141 out of 180 on Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index.
According to Marlon Agaba, Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU), corruption is a national crisis that requires collective action. “We urge citizens to report corruption cases and demand accountability from leaders.”
His sentiments were re-echoed by Julius Mukunda, Executive Director of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), who notes, “Corruption undermines democracy, perpetuates poverty, and hinders economic growth. We must prioritize transparency and accountability in public service delivery.”
The root causes of corruption in Uganda are multifaceted. A weak institutional framework and lack of political will have created an environment ripe for abuse. Poverty and economic inequality drive petty corruption, while those with financial means use bribery to access public goods and services. Additionally, a culture of impunity prevails, where those who engage in corrupt practices are rarely held accountable.
Corruption has far-reaching consequences, including economic impacts that hinder foreign investment and reduce government revenue, social impacts that erode public trust in institutions, and political impacts that undermine democracy and accountability.
To combat corruption, civil society organizations (CSOs) are advocating for strengthened institutions, asset recovery frameworks, and campaign finance laws. “We call upon the government to enact and enforce laws that enable asset forfeiture and recovery of stolen funds.” said Agaba.
Corruption is a pervasive problem in the East African region, affecting several countries and various sectors. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, the region’s countries face significant corruption challenges.
Uganda, for instance, ranks 141 out of 180 with a score of 25 out of 100. Kenya follows closely, ranking 123 out of 180 with a score of 32 out of 100. Tanzania ranks 101 out of 180 with a score of 39 out of 100, while South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo rank 178 and 174, respectively, with scores of 13 and 18 out of 100.
In Uganda, corruption permeates multiple sectors, including health, education, and public procurement. Alarmingly, 27% of healthcare funds and 25% of education funds are lost to corruption. Furthermore, 30% of procurement contracts are influenced by corrupt practices.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for collective action to combat corruption in East Africa, particularly in Uganda. Addressing corruption requires a multifaceted approach involving government, civil society, and citizens. By working together, we can promote transparency, accountability, and good governance, ultimately ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently for the benefit of all citizens.
The impact of corruption on Uganda’s development is substantial, hindering economic growth, undermining trust in institutions, and perpetuating inequality. It is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize anti-corruption efforts, harnessing technology, and leveraging community engagement to create a corruption-free East Africa.
The Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda – ACCU, Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group – CSBAG, ActionAid International Uganda (AAIU), Transparency International Uganda – TIU, and Uganda Debt Network (UDN) have joined forces to mark International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9. Through media engagements, digital campaigns, and public forums, these CSOs aim to raise awareness and promote citizen participation in the fight against corruption.
The leaders say that it is pivotal to harness the energy of youth to fight corruption noting that their participation is crucial in promoting a culture of integrity.
“Let us unite to build a corruption-free Uganda. We must demand accountability from leaders and promote transparency in all aspects of public life,” noted Agaba.
They questioned the country’s political will wondering that despite having 22 anti-corruption agencies and 18 anti-corruption laws, significant corruption challenges persist. “These include weak enforcement of laws, institutional inefficiencies, political patronage, lack of transparency, and limited public engagement.”
According to them, over the past year, Uganda has faced high-profile corruption scandals, including budget-related abuses in Parliament and embezzlement of cooperative compensation funds. However, public awareness and activism are surging, with youth-led demonstrations and social media campaigns demanding accountability.
To mark International Anti-Corruption Day 2024, themed “Promoting Effective Youth Participation in the War Against Corruption,” they have organized activities to raise awareness, foster public engagement, and promote government-civil society-citizen collaboration.
Key events include:
- Media Engagement: National and local talk shows, newspaper articles, and radio programs will educate and encourage anti-corruption participation.
- Digital Campaigns: Social media initiatives on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube will target young Ugandans.
- An Anti-Corruption Convention will take place on December 5, 2024, at Sheraton, gathering government officials, civil society, private sector representatives, media, academia, and development partners to strengthen partnerships and develop anti-corruption strategies.
- Public Forums will facilitate national and subnational dialogues between citizens, youth, and public officials on accountability and service delivery.
- The National Citizen Integrity Awards, set for December 4, 2024, will recognize public servants demonstrating integrity, promoting honesty and responsibility within public service.
- Regional Initiatives in Karamoja will feature anti-corruption awareness drives and community conversations addressing local corruption issues.
- District Integrity Forums will provide local platforms for transparency and accountability within district governments.
To commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day, Ugandans are urged to take a bold stance against corruption by reporting any corrupt activities to the relevant authorities and saying “No to Corruption.” “Public vigilance and participation are crucial in curbing corruption.”
Key Calls to Action:
- Citizen Participation: Report corrupt activities and promote transparency in all aspects of life.
- Campaign Finance Law: Advocate for regulations on political financing to prevent illicit funds in elections, ensuring a corruption-free political process.
- Asset Forfeiture Legislation: Demand swift enactment and enforcement of laws to recover stolen funds and impose strict penalties on those found guilty of corruption.
- End Budgeting for Corruption: Promote prudent budgeting processes, eliminating selfish reallocations, unnecessary expenditures, and wasteful ventures.
“The fight against corruption is challenging, but with collective action, we can achieve a more transparent and accountable Uganda. We remain committed to supporting all anti-corruption initiatives and urge every Ugandan to join us in this essential fight,” the noted in a joint statement.
