On 8th December 2018 panelists appeared on HITS Fm to discuss on how Uganda can fight against corruption. The panelists were discussing on ToroDev’s supported radio discussion called “Orukurato” that discusses issues of accountability every Saturday (08:00 – 10:00) pm.
The panelists hosted were Muhereza Isaiah and Mwesige Joel professional journalists.
“According to World Bank report 2018 Uganda maintained the same position in the international corruption rankings. In 2017, the country was at position 151 in 2017 which is the same score in 2018 scoring 26 percent”. Said Kasigazi Williams the Moderator of the program
Kasigazi further said in East Africa, Rwanda is the best ranked and globally ranked 48, Tanzania came second at number 103 globally, Kenya third and ranked 143 globally. Uganda forth at 151, and Burundi is ranked 157 globally. South Sudan and Somalia are the most corrupt countries ranked 179 and 180 globally respectively.
“Unfortunately, Ugandan, foreign victims and observers now know that the NRM government has miserably failed to effectively fight and defeat the endemic national cancer of corruption”. Said Muhereza Isaiah the panelist
Mr Muhereza Isaiah further said until such time as the Uganda government and the Judiciary show that they regard corruption as a serious problem in this country, Ugandans will never believe that anyone is worried about corruption and bribery in the country.
“Corruption in Uganda is fuelled by the greed of those who occupy offices where they can steal. People who are well paid and even those who are already wealthy will out of greed embezzle public funds simply because they want more wealth”. Said Mwesige Joel the panelist
Joel added the Government should set up very strong laws to arrest anyone found practicing corruption of any form. These laws should not favour anyone and this can be one way of reducing corruption
Caller’s Comments
“The government should implement what it says. There should be strong policies put in place to address the cancer of Corruption. Government should work hand in hand with Private sector, media, church etc to address Corruption”. Said Mr. Akugizibwe Caller from Kabonero, Bunyangabu District during the talkshow.
“The scourge has steadily multiplied and affected every aspect of public life, if not private of everyone. Most Ugandans, including those who work for, elect, support and pray for the NRM government, have all become victims of corruption”. Said Faridah a caller from Kasese district.
“Corruption has spared no one, not even the President, the Speaker of Parliament, Church leaders Ministers, ordinary citizens have all in one way or another been victims of corruption in Uganda. Uganda government should borrow a leaf from Rwanda in order to fight against Corruption”. Said Moses from Hakibale in Kabarole district.
“To address corruption in Uganda its causes must be clearly identified. However, corruption is a result of a variety of factors. The country lacks competent political leadership. Leaders should learn to give proper accountability as one way of fighting against corruption”. Said Ndibalema from Kasese.
“Corruption is here to stay until there is change in Uganda. The Government should educate citizens on what corruption is, how it can be fought. We have poor services in all sectors because of Corruption. This must be given a special treat.” Said Enock
Conclusively corruption is a global cancer. Biblically, corruption is ingrained in original sin and the selfish aspirations of human nature. Corruption in Uganda is perceived to be pervasive because of the prejudicial colonial legacy, inhumane cultural practices, callous political leaders and merciless religious appetites rooted in greed and injustice.
The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Kasigazi Williams and is supported by NED, SIDA/CIPESA
