In the Busoga sub-region, public officials have cited their involvement in corruption to be a consequence of their low wages, as observed by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) through recent discussions.
Gerald Gwaira, representing the Ombudsman’s office, reports that many public servants justify their corrupt behavior by pointing to their inadequate compensation, which they claim prevents them from fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.
“In our recent anti-corruption training sessions across Kamuli, Kaliro, and Namutumba districts, we’ve encountered numerous public servants who confess to corrupt practices due to their meager salaries,” Gwaira conveyed to a gathering of public servants, CSOs, youth and women leaders, and religious figures in Namutumba District.
Yet, Gwaira noted that their investigations reveal that corruption is not solely a result of low pay, as even those with higher salaries are found embezzling funds, likely motivated by greed.
The IGG’s office has shifted its focus from prosecuting the corrupt to preventing corruption through educational and advocacy initiatives.
“The IGG’s office is preparing to launch discussion forums in each district within the Busoga sub-region to address corruption issues. It’s not just President Museveni and the IGG who should combat corruption; it’s a duty for every Ugandan,” he announced.
The IGG’s data indicates that Uganda’s annual losses to corruption amount to an estimated Shs10 trillion.
Gwaira warned, “Without a collective effort against corruption, Uganda’s future is at risk,” implying that the region’s poverty is a direct result of malpractice by officials entrusted with public offices.
Joseph Mulamuzi, an IGG officer, extended the scope of corruption in Uganda beyond public servants to include politicians and private individuals who mismanage or fail to return government funds.
He specifically referred to the abuse of Social Assistance Grants and the non-performance of individual contractors who secure government-funded contracts.
Namutumba District’s Principal Assistant CAO, Kagere Kauma, called for rigorous investigations into individuals who default on repaying government-provided revolving funds.
Charles Nabanja, the Namutumba central market chairperson, urged IGG Betty Kamya to scrutinize the actions of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) who are allegedly overstepping their authority by resolving land disputes
