In the Busoga sub-region, officials have linked their corrupt behavior to the insufficient salaries they receive, as highlighted by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) from its recent discussions.
Gerald Gwaira, an official from the Ombudsman’s office, has stated that public servants often justify their corrupt practices by citing their low pay, which they claim impedes their work.
“Our anti-corruption training sessions in Kamuli, Kaliro, and Namutumba districts revealed that many public servants blame their low pay for their corrupt activities,” Gwaira told a meeting of public servants, CSOs, youth and women leaders, and religious leaders in Namutumba District.
However, Gwaira has observed that their research does not confirm that low salaries lead to corruption, as there are instances of embezzlement among those with higher salaries, indicating that greed may be a factor.
The IGG’s office has found that preventing corruption through advocacy and awareness training is more effective than arresting those found guilty.
“The IGG’s office will soon create forums in each district of the Busoga sub-region to discuss corruption. The fight against corruption is a duty for all Ugandans, not just for President Museveni and the IGG,” he asserted.
IGG data indicates that Uganda loses approximately Shs10 trillion to corruption every year.
Gwaira warned, “If we don’t work together to fight corruption, the future of Uganda is at risk,” suggesting that the region’s poverty is due to the unethical actions of those in trusted positions.
Joseph Mulamuzi, an IGG officer, has pointed out that corruption in Uganda extends beyond public servants to politicians and private individuals who do not repay government funds.
He mentioned the misappropriation of Social Assistance Grants and the failure of individual contractors to deliver on government-funded contracts.
Kagere Kauma, the Principal Assistant CAO of Namutumba District, has urged for thorough investigations into those who fail to repay government loans.
Charles Nabanja, the chairperson of Namutumba central market, has called on IGG Betty Kamya to examine the actions of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) who are reportedly making unauthorized legal decisions on land disputes.
