Mediocrity aids corruption

By Russell Moro

Viewing corruption broadly, rather than only as theft of public funds, could be instructive. We risk missing the crux of the matter by focusing on one aspect, which may well be but symptomatic of a fundamental problem. Unless corruption can be traced to a logical root, an effective remedy against it will likely remain elusive.
 
Citizens' approach to life's routines provides ready and crucial clues about a country's overall inclination towards corruption.
 
In Singapore, for instance, life is taken discernibly seriously. Changi-bound travelers will know this. Prior to disembarkation, each receives an immigration card bearing a stark warning to would-be traffickers of illicit drugs: the offence carries death under Singapore law!

Inside the terminal business is conducted with the briskness of a military drill. Nothing escapes the attention of a well-marshaled workforce. Exceptionally confident and professional staffers strive to balance security concerns against financial benefits visitors bear.
   
Outside it is no less orderly either. In absence of prearranged airport pick-up, the taxi rank and metro station are viable options. A queue awaits at each location. Checking into a hotel requires queuing up too, as does securing a table to dine, etc.

Automation is an integral part of life in Singapore. Inquire of anyone and help will likely come ultimately from a handheld gadget. Electronics generally enhance efficiency and transparency, two factors that tend to help build confidence in our dealings.

In Entebbe, the arrival hall became a beehive of activity when a near-full 777-300 operated by Emirates touched down in the afternoon of March 20. The aircraft measures roughly the size of a classroom block. Its arrival imposed constrain, enormity of which was considerably amplified at the yellow line next to the immigration counters reserved for locals. Here a cocktail of distaste for order and cravings for preferential treatment erupted mutinously. Queuing and yellow seemed to conspire (again) to bring out the worst in seemingly well-meaning people.  

A female in immigration garb stepped forward helpfully. With her back to the counters, she took a few hefty strides (as if refereeing a football match) away from the "offending" line, effectively doubling the distance from the queues' business end to the counter.  

She then half-commanded, half-implored the now bemused belligerents to honour the fresh imaginary boundary. They did, whenever she was watching.

Corruption remains a problem in Singapore to date. But the government broaches the subject earliest at high school, because no greater urgency is warranted.

No such respite, however, for a certain accomplice. Mediocrity. Singapore will not permit mediocrity to take root at all. A rigorous education system ensures comprehensive moulding right from pre-school through university. Teachers and pupils alike will simply not rest on their laurels. The product are a conscientious people with an unparalleled sense of purpose.

Mediocrity is to corruption what filth is to germs. Eliminate it and job half done. Stripped of the cloak of mediocrity corruption will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb (if it dares rear its head).

Heightened risk of exposure and relative bite force of the law should sufficiently persuade the corrupt to reconsider their ways.   

The writer is an advocate of the High Court of Uganda