Lokodo kickstarts regional fight against corruption

Sep 30, 2016

Corruption in Uganda has been getting worse according to the global Corruption Perception Index

In 2015, Uganda was ranked the 139th least corrupt nation out of 175 countries according to Transparency International through the global Corruption Perception Index (CPI).

These ranks are obtained depending on how corrupt their public sector are perceived to be where institutions like Police, lands, courts, health are allegedly regarded most corrupt in Uganda.

Armed with this, Fr. Simon Lokodo the Minister for Ethics and Integrity has introduced a nationwide anti-corruption strategy that is aimed at curbing the vice in Uganda.

Lokodo revealed this during the disseminating of anti-corruption laws to local council leaders of Kawempe and Makindye divisions at Audit House in Kampala.

"We have embarked on scrutinizing and checking on public servants at both national and local levels, once convicted, the state will confiscate your wealth obtained from illicit transactions" Lokodo said.

 "The Directorate of Ethics and Integrity has implicated some local leaders but we are let down with the laxity in the judicial and investigative departments where we lose many cases" Lokodo explained.

Corruption in Uganda has been getting worse, according to the global Corruption Perception Index (CPI). Uganda was ranked 127th in 2010, 143 in 2011, 130 in 2012, 140 in 2013, and 142 in 2014.

Lokodo called for the amendment of the Anti-Corruption Act (2009) which says that property of the person being charged can only be confiscated after court has convicted that person beyond reasonable doubt.

"We need a non-conviction based law on corruption because the current law can easily be manipulated in the courts of law. This will enable government to recover some resources" Lokodo said.

He further condemned the legislature's demand for expensive cars saying its a sign of selfishness and lack of patriotism.

"MPs are entitled to cars not expensive cars that drain the tax payer's wallet. Ministers and permanent secretaries should drive cheaper cars because citizens are demanding for services" Lokodo narrated.

He called on local leaders to be at the forefront of the fight against corruption in the country since they are main implementers of government projects.

"DEI will protect whistle blowers through the Whistleblowers Protection Act (2010). Therefore I appeal to every citizen to avail any information on corruption and we will take course" he added.

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