{UAH} Citizens on Corruption, Kampala

KAMPALA - The cost of corruption is enormous. A cross section of citizens who attended the first annual Open Day on corruption organised by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) have offered ways of how the vice can be tackled.

On Thursday, the IGG's office together with the Office of the Auditor General stepped out of their offices to ask the public how corruption can be ended.

Some were skeptical, and openly resigned to what they felt is society's inability to fight the vice.

Many had their say at a public exhibition at Nakumatt Oasis Mall in Kampala, where the officers exhibited what their offices do.

'Started in the Bible'

Ronald Kabunga, a trader, said government should make corruption a high-risk venture so that the corrupt are paid back with ridicule.

"Today, people who boast of high integrity and honesty are perceived as non-starters.

For me I do businesses abroad but Uganda should pick a leaf from Singapore, which has taken a high-handed approach to corruption and reaped tremendous benefits from its action," he advised.

But Cissy Okello expressed her skepticism, saying nothing can be done about it.

The hotelier said: "If it has not stopped elsewhere, why do you think Uganda can stop it? Corruption started in the Bible, with Jacob fraudulently getting Esau's blessing.

"And in Uganda, it is our custom. Why else would crowds gather at Entebbe to welcome someone from abroad?"

Okello advised that the good anti-corruption laws and policies should be put in practice.

On his part, journalist Paul Waiswa said citizens should be sensitized not to accept corruption as a norm. "We should improve the living conditions of people providing critical services like the police, health workers and magistrates."

Maureen Namakula, who studies at Kyambogo University, said Uganda should return term limits.

"When a regime is in power for less than 10 years, it is difficult for corruption to thrive. In addition, the executive should implement the available anti-corruption laws to make life difficult for the corrupt,"she opined.

Meanwhile, Farouk Kayondo, the public relations officer of the Inspectorate of Government said the public should know that fighting corruption is not the responsibility of the Government alone, but "for us all".

He said: "The Inspectorate of Government will continue tracking public officials found to be engaging in corrupt acts. We shall use the existing legal framework, such as the IGG Act, the Anti-corruption Act and the Leadership Code to fight the vice."

Kayondo, who led the team of exhibitors, said they would take all the ideas from the public and put them into action.

Among what was exhibited were information education and communication materials on the fight against corruption – including annual reports, how to lodge a complaint and how to prevent corruption

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Good Views

Peter Simon