'Uganda lacks value-driven leaders to fight corruption in govt'

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Rev. Godfrey Ssembidde Lunkulayite, a religious leader turned politician, has expressed concern over the shortage of value-driven leaders in the country, stating that it undermines efforts to combat government corruption.

Ssembidde, who is aspiring to become the Member of Parliament for Ntenjeru North, said while addressing voters that Uganda’s struggle with corruption largely stems from leaders prioritising personal gain over public service.

Competing with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag bearer and Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Amos Lugoloobi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Eng. Fredrick Ssali Kafeero, and Independent candidate Sandra Nabalamba, Ssembidde hails from Kyanya village, Buyobe parish, Kayunga sub-county in Kayunga district.

Addressing voters at Kyampisi sub-county in Kayunga district on January 4, 2026, he stressed the need to elect leaders with integrity and discipline to rescue the country from stagnation caused by rampant corruption.

“To address corruption, Ugandans must demand accountability from their leaders and prioritise competence when voting. Fighting corruption should not be left alone to only President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, but a collective responsibility including voters who initiate it during the campaign period,” Ssembidde said.

His remarks come amid growing concern over corruption in Uganda, with reports indicating that the country loses more than sh9 trillion annually to corrupt practices. The Inspector General of Government has repeatedly highlighted the need for leaders with integrity to tackle the vice.

“The total cost of corruption in Uganda is estimated to be sh9.144 trillion per year, which is equivalent to 44% of total government revenue,” he said.

Ssembidde added that corruption is not limited to the central government but is also widespread in local governments, where it has significantly undermined service delivery.

President Yoweri Museveni has previously expressed frustration with local leaders, accusing them of failing to tackle corruption and prioritising personal interests over public welfare.

Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu argued that Uganda’s anti-corruption framework is well developed, but enforcement remains weak under the NRM government.

“Religious institutions, like Ssembidde's, have a crucial role to play in promoting accountability and transparency. However, faith leaders in this country have often shied away from confronting corrupt leaders, fearing backlash,” Muntu said, while commending Ssembidde for speaking out.

“Much as Ssembidde is an Independent candidate, I ask you to vote for him because he has become one of the heroes in church to come out and express concern over colossal corruption,” he added.

Muntu pledged that, if elected, he would restore presidential term limits and enforce a strict age limit. He said the removal of term and age limits was a mistake that has undermined peaceful transitions of power.

“As ANT government, we shall restore term limits and put a nut on the 75-year age limit for the presidential candidate without question. When we were in Kyankwanzi, I was with six other leaders who were against changing the constitution,” he said.

Muntu urged voters to reject Members of Parliament who supported the removal of term and age limits, stressing the importance of accountability and respect for constitutional principles.

Recent surveys indicate strong public support for constitutional safeguards, with 71 percent of Ugandans favouring the restoration of term limits and 80 percent backing age limits.

If elected, Muntu pledged to pursue a people-centred reform agenda focused on healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure development, while strengthening the rule of law, investing in human capital and ensuring equitable resource distribution.