By Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya expressed concern over the ongoing issue of corruption as Uganda marked 39 years under the leadership of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Speaking on Sunday, Kamya revealed that Uganda loses over UGX 9 trillion annually to corruption, with 2,377 corruption-related complaints reported during the financial year 2023/24.
Kamya acknowledged the lack of significant progress in tackling corruption, despite decades of effort:
“The IGG is about 38 and a half years old, introduced through a presidential decree. But as the president rightly says, we have not made significant progress in the war against corruption. This is a war we must fight and win.”
She attributed the persistence of corruption to a societal mindset that tolerates and even defends corrupt individuals:
“When someone is accused of corruption, we see people taking to the streets to defend them despite clear evidence. When corrupt people are granted bail, they are welcomed back into their communities as if they have been acquitted,” she lamented.
Kamya stressed the need for a societal shift and prioritization of resources to effectively combat corruption:
“There are not enough resources to fight this war effectively. The government needs to prioritize these sectors, and only then can we hope to win this battle,” she told Monitor.
Achievements and Ongoing Efforts
Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), echoed Kamya’s sentiments but highlighted progress made over the years. She pointed to the establishment of anti-corruption institutions and systems, which have bolstered efforts to address graft.
“I am proud to have been a pioneer of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. During my three-year tenure, close to 400 government officials were arraigned in court, with about 70 convictions. Those convicted cannot serve in government for the next 10 years,” Nakalema stated.
She noted that the unit also investigated private individuals, leveraging resources from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and legal experts to enhance efficiency.
Leveraging Technology to Combat Corruption
Col. Nakalema emphasized the importance of technology in reducing opportunities for corruption:
“We established an electronic Investors Protection Portal to eliminate corruption in investment processes. Human interaction often creates opportunities for the corrupt to exploit unsuspecting individuals,” she explained.
She also highlighted her elevation by President Museveni to work with investors as part of Uganda’s national development strategy, aimed at removing corruption as a barrier to investment.
A Call to Action
Both Kamya and Nakalema stressed the urgency of addressing corruption, which continues to drain Uganda’s resources and hinder development. Kamya called for a united front, urging communities to hold corrupt officials accountable, while Nakalema reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building robust systems and leveraging technology to combat graft effectively.
The remarks underscore the ongoing challenges and the critical need for collective action in the fight against corruption, even as the country celebrates decades of progress under NRM leadership
