Faith Nyasuguta
The Ugandan government is taking decisive steps to combat corruption by amending the Anti-Corruption Bill to block individuals convicted of corruption from holding public office. This move is part of a broader effort to improve governance and accountability in a country ranked as the fourth most corrupt in the East African region.
Ugandan Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka highlighted that this amendment aims to deter government officials from engaging in corrupt practices. The proposal was recommended during a week-long Cabinet Introspection Retreat in Kyankwanzi, which concluded recently.
“The Anti-Corruption Act should be amended as well as other relevant laws to deter persons convicted of corruption tendencies from being appointed or reappointed in public service,” Kiwanuka stated.
A Costly Vice
Corruption is a significant issue in Uganda, with the Inspectorate of Government estimating that the country loses up to Shs9.7 trillion annually due to corrupt activities. During the opening of the Cabinet retreat, President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“Honourable members of the retreat, it is now clear that corruption is a big problem in Uganda. IGG estimates that the country loses Shs. 9.7 trillion per year on account of corruption. This is not acceptable,” Museveni declared. “Therefore, corruption should be crushed and will be crushed.”
In a bid to enhance revenue collection and reduce corruption, President Museveni recently announced the establishment of a new State House unit to oversee Uganda Revenue Authority operations. This initiative aims to close revenue collection leakages and improve transparency.
Museveni also urged the judiciary to eliminate bail for corruption suspects. “The only support we need from the judiciary is no bail for those accused of murder, treason, terrorism, rape, defilement, corruption (embezzlement), and village thefts if the prosecution is ready for trial,” he said. “Let the case be tried or use alternative justice but no bail and no impunity for the above cases.”
Africa’s Most Corrupt Nations
Uganda’s efforts to combat corruption are part of a broader struggle across the African continent. Several nations face significant challenges in addressing corruption, impacting their development and governance.
- Somalia: Leading as the most corrupt African country, Somalia’s political instability and ongoing conflicts create an environment ripe for corruption. Weak central government and oversight mechanisms hinder progress.
- South Sudan: Despite being the youngest country globally, South Sudan struggles with corruption since gaining independence in 2011. Power struggles and resource mismanagement divert funds from essential services.
- Equatorial Guinea: Rich in oil, Equatorial Guinea faces corruption challenges exacerbated by nepotism and embezzlement. The ruling family’s power concentration leads to a lack of transparency and equitable resource distribution.
- Libya: Post-revolution Libya grapples with corruption amid weak institutions and political instability. Control over oil wealth intensifies governance challenges.
- Sudan: Marked by political turmoil and economic instability, Sudan continues to battle corruption across various sectors, impacting public services.
- DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo struggles with corruption in both public and private sectors, hindering development despite its vast natural resources.
- Comoros: Corruption in Comoros is widespread, impacting progress and contributing to poverty and inequality. Effective anti-corruption mechanisms are lacking.
- Chad: Corruption challenges in Chad hinder economic growth and exacerbate poverty and inequality.
- Burundi: Systemic corruption in Burundi impacts public services and economic challenges, hindering efforts to improve citizens’ well-being.
- Eritrea: Rounding up the top 10, Eritrea faces corruption challenges that impede progress and development initiatives.
Uganda’s move to amend the Anti-Corruption Bill reflects a commitment to systemic change. By blocking convicted individuals from public office and enhancing anti-corruption measures, the government aims to create a more transparent and accountable governance structure.
This initiative, alongside efforts across Africa, highlights the importance of addressing corruption to pave the way for sustainable development and improved public trust in government institutions.
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