How other African countries declare wealth

In Kenya, there is a law that compels public leaders to declare their wealth.

Final declarations from the new government were made on October 2, with President Mwai Kibaki leading his cabinet. But unlike in Uganda, the declarations are not public documents, thus remain confidential. They can only be accessed by anti-corruption police, during investigations into corruption cases.

In Tanzania, public officers are supposed to declare their wealth, before they take up their appointments and continue doing so on a regular basis. Like in Kenya, the declarations are not public documents. They remain in the hands of the Inspector General of Government, but can be accessed by anti-corruption bodies, if there is a particular case of corruption against an officer.

In Rwanda, President Paul Kagame has just called upon his new parliament to quicken up the introduction of the office of the Inspector General of Government. Kagame said that after this, declaration of wealth by public officers will become compulsory. He added that this will not only save public officers from being looked at with suspicion by the public, but also anti-corruption bodies will be able to keep track of the behaviour of public officers.

In Malawi, all ministers and Members of Parliament are supposed to declare their wealth to the Clerk of Parliament, who in return takes the documents to the Registrar General’s Office.

However, the system has been criticised by anti-corruption bodies for having no way of verifying the declared assets, since the documents are not open to the public. The system does not also mention what punishment those who fail to declare are to be given.

In Nigeria, every public officer is supposed to declare his or her wealth before taking office and continue doing so annually, as long as he or she holds the office.

However, the system is criticised for lack of action against those who fail to declare and against those who lie about their wealth.

Compiled by Joshua Kato