Uganda is not only topping charts in as far as wide spread of corruption is concerned, but there is also overzealous idle talk vis-à-vis viable action that would restore public trust. There is a general feeling of hopelessness among the people in regard to tackling corruption, especially reflecting on the way some corruption scandals are handled. The general public feeling is that enough is not being done, and for as long as we continue to talk and refuse to walk the talk, corruption will only keep thriving. Almost everyone in Uganda has at some point experienced corruption. This evil is so rampant to the extent that it has slowly become a silent accepted means of doing business and survival in our society. We have been forced to tolerate this habit and our tolerance levels are so high that they are hindering the struggle against corruption. Corruption in all its various forms only undermines economic growth, solely benefiting its perpetrators whilst obstructing the delivery of services to intended parties. Corruption in simple terms is the misuse of public power by elected politicians or appointed civil servant for private gain. Therefore, it is right to assert that the widening economic inequality across the country is to a large extent fuelled by the present high levels of corruption. The current intensification of extreme discrepancies in distribution of incomes, opportunities, wealth and assets where these are only in the hands of a few fortunate peoples is merely worsening the state of social problems in the country. Nevertheless, how can we effectively and efficiently combat this wrongdoing? In an attempt to answer this question, we need to first realise who the real culprits of this vice are. These involve those giving and the ones receiving the bribes, it is you and me. However, we shouldn’t forget those who witness such dealings and do nothing instead of whistle-blowing. Cracking corruption calls for many approaches and from several different angles. For example the bottom-up approach. Address income inequalities, and facilitate equitable access to public goods and social services regardless of social class or income. For instance on health, expedite the issue of a national health insurance scheme but based on income. Institute measures to ensure regular revision of remuneration of public servants across the board to match the high cost of living. Paying workers fair wages and addressing their basic needs like health insurance, proper and befitting housing will aid in creating a conducive environment to diligently thus, avoiding corruption. Bring corrupt leaders past and present to face the law and grant justice where it is due. Ensuring that once found guilty, they should not be entrusted with public office again. This will certainly send out a clear message to the rest of the population. Move past enacting redundant corruption laws and policies to vigilantly enforcing them. Let us desist from selection application of the law so as to defeat impunity. Make use of modern technology. There is need to upgrade the way we do business in Uganda. Just as government-induced distortions provide many opportunities for corruption to flourish; it is also the case that frequent, direct contact between government officials and citizens can open the way for illicit transactions. One way to address this problem is to use readily available technologies like internet platforms to encourage more of an arms-length relationship between officials and the public. In this respect the internet has proved to be an effective tool in reducing corruption. In countries ardent on development and closing corruption loopholes, the use of online platforms in facilitating government’s interactions with civil society and the business community has been very successful especially in areas of tax collection, public procurement, and employment, to mention but a few. Chile is one example of a country that has used the latest technologies to create one of the world’s most transparent public procurement systems in the world. Chile Comprador was launched in 2003 and is a public electronic system for purchasing and hiring, based on an internet platform. Publicly display streamlined procedures that guarantee accountability and transparency particularly in government’s operations that involve use of tax payers’ money. In the same way, sensitize and educate the public of their rights and responsibilities. It is said that charity begins at home. There is an immense necessitate to develop a sense of moral character in citizens starting with the family. Parents should take up the responsibility of educating their children about the dangers of corruption, values of hard work and ethics of servant leadership. An upright moral character is the foundation of human behaviour. Another solid deterrent that will surely yield results is passing legislation allowing recovery of money or property acquired through corrupt means. Additionally, slam travel bans on leaders suspected of engaging in corruption. All in all, fighting corruption requires the collective resolve of the entire citizenry. Let’s view it as my and your duty to stop corruption. Each of us should play our part in uprooting this evil out of our society.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 10:51:37 +0000