Museveni warns officials on bribes

By Carol Natukunda

President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated his stand on fighting corruption and warned that “thieves” who solicit bribes from investors would be dealt with severely.

Museveni said he would appoint an investment officer to monitor projects and ensure that there are no delays in implementation.

“There are a lot of thieves who delay projects because they want bribes from investors. It is crucial that we get feedback from the investors because they are the ones who are targeted,” he said.

Museveni was reacting to reports that there were challenges in the administrative system that made it difficult to implement projects.

He made the remarks while meeting the Tánaiste and Irish foreign affairs minister, Eamon Gilmore at the State Lodge in Masaka.

During this meeting, the President witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Gilmore and Uganda’s finance minister Maria Kiwanuka. The Irish government has committed over 10 million Euros to the rehabilitation and development efforts in Northern Uganda.

The Tánaiste is the official title for a deputy head of government in Ireland.

Museveni also called for a Euro-Africa summit to develop common ideas of cooperation.

“It is important to develop common ideas. In Europe, there are three advantages; savings both private and public, technology and entrepreneurship, while Africa has a market, natural resources and a growing demand. If we can import the three things from Europe, it would be mutual reinforcement. The summit would point out areas were cooperation should be directed,” he said.

Museveni hailed the Irish government for its development support to Uganda especially in health and Education.

Gilmore said there was potential for the transfer of technology and skills and that his country was keen to train Ugandans in skills that could be used in emerging industries. He said his country had developed an African strategy and is committed to working in partnership with Africa.

The two leaders also addressed various issues including good governance, homosexuality, trade and investments. Uganda is the largest programme country for Irish Development Co-operation and the biggest recipient of Irish Aid in the whole of Africa.

Gilmore was accompanied by the Irish Ambassador to Uganda Anne Webster.

He is in Uganda as part of his six-day visit to East Africa to establish the impact of Irish aid and highlight trade opportunities.

Trade minister Amelia Kyambadde and Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland Joan Rwabyomere also attended the meeting.