In the Busoga sub-region, officials have acknowledged their involvement in corrupt activities, attributing it to their low salaries, as per the reports from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) following recent interactions.
Gerald Gwaira, an official from the Ombudsman’s office, has conveyed that public servants often cite their inadequate pay as a justification for their corrupt behavior, claiming it hampers their ability to carry out their duties.
“In our recent corruption prevention and awareness workshops across Kamuli, Kaliro, and Namutumba districts, a considerable number of public servants have pointed to their poor salaries as a reason for their corrupt actions,” Gwaira reported to a diverse group of stakeholders in Namutumba District.
Yet, Gwaira has emphasized that their investigations do not support the idea that low salaries are the root cause of corruption, noting that theft occurs even among those who are well-paid, which may indicate that greed is involved.
The IGG’s office has recognized that advocacy and awareness training are more proactive and effective measures for preventing corruption than punitive actions.
“The IGG’s office is planning to establish forums in each district within the Busoga sub-region to proactively address issues of corruption. It’s important to remember that combating corruption is a collective responsibility of all Ugandans, not just President Museveni and the IGG,” he stated.
The IGG has estimated that Uganda loses close to Shs10 trillion annually to corruption.
Gwaira has issued a warning, stating, “If we do not come together to fight corruption, the very fabric of Uganda could be threatened,” suggesting that the widespread poverty in the region is a result of misconduct by those entrusted with public offices.
Joseph Mulamuzi, an IGG officer, has indicated that the issue of corruption in Uganda extends beyond public servants to include politicians and private individuals who improperly handle or fail to return government funds.
He has called attention to the abuse of Social Assistance Grants and the non-performance of individual contractors who have been awarded government contracts.
Kagere Kauma, the Principal Assistant CAO of Namutumba District, has advocated for detailed investigations into individuals who do not repay government-provided funds.
Charles Nabanja, the chairperson of Namutumba central market, has requested that IGG Betty Kamya investigate Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) who are allegedly conducting unauthorized legal proceedings regarding land disputes
