Uganda’s fight against corruption has hit a major setback with the release of the 2023 Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International. The report reveals a concerning decline in Uganda’s anti-corruption efforts, dropping from 27% to 26%, placing it as the third-worst country in East Africa.
The report serves as a wake-up call for the government, anti-corruption agencies, investigative departments, and the Judiciary to intensify their efforts in curbing corruption. However, this drop in ranking comes as no surprise to many, as corruption has been a persistent issue in Uganda for years.
Peter Wandera, Executive Director of Transparency International, expressed concern over the weakening justice system, attributing the laxity in fighting corruption to patronization by those in power. “The Judiciary’s laxity in combating corruption is linked to patronization by the powers that be,” said Wandera.
This sentiment is shared by many, as corruption in Uganda is often seen as a problem of the elite and powerful who are able to escape punishment due to their connections and influence. This has led to a lack of trust and confidence in the justice system, further perpetuating the issue of corruption.
The report highlights the need for proactivity in the fight against corruption, emphasizing the importance of tightening the belt against graft. Lilian Zawedde, the program officer at Transparency International, also stressed the need for comprehensive reforms to address the issue. “There is a need to strengthen the independence of the justice system, introduce integrity and monitoring mechanisms, improve access to justice, and make justice more transparent,” said Zawedde.
The call for urgent action comes as Uganda faces a downward trend in the regional ranking, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Tanzania follows Rwanda in the East African ranking, further highlighting Uganda’s need for comprehensive reforms in its anti-corruption strategies.
As the fight against corruption takes center stage in Uganda’s national discourse, stakeholders stress the importance of collaborative efforts and systemic reforms to restore public trust and confidence in the justice system. It is not enough for individual agencies to work towards eradicating corruption, but rather a unified effort is needed to make a real impact.
In order to address the issue of corruption, there needs to be a shift in mindset and a collective commitment to fight against this pervasive issue. The government, civil society organizations, and citizens all have a role to play in creating a corruption-free Uganda.
In addition, there is a need for more transparency and accountability in government processes, as well as effective measures to prevent and punish corrupt practices. This can only be achieved through comprehensive reforms and a collaborative effort from all stakeholders.
In conclusion, the drop in Uganda’s Corruption Perception Index is a wake-up call for the country to take immediate action in addressing corruption. The government and all relevant agencies must work together to implement comprehensive reforms and restore public trust in the justice system. It is only through a collective effort that Uganda can truly combat corruption and move towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
