VP cautions ugandans against corruption

Pic:Vice-President Edward Ssekandi Photo by Mary Kansiime

Fellow countrymen, corruption is a malaise and, a symptom of moral decadence that has permeated spheres of the Ugandan society." Vice-President Edward Ssekandi said on Friday during the launch of the Anti-corruption week at CHOGM Gardens in Kampala.

Ssekandi who was the chief guest, noted that corruption has led to diversion of scarce public resources to personal projects at the expense of the much-needed public services such as schools, hospitals and supply of safe water.

"Corruption therefore is hurting the economy and aggravating the impoverishment of the population of the population of Uganda." He added.

He noted that despite the good progress recorded, the country continues to face intolerantly high levels of corruption both within the public and private sectors and added that its discouraging local and foreign investments in the country.

"This is undermining the rule of law and impedes government authority and efforts to achieve its social-economic development and service delivery objectives." He explained.

However he expressed government commitment in the fight against corruption and applauded the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity (DEI) for developing advanced strategies and Zero Tolerance to corruption Policy.

"The policy underlines the government commitment to fight corruption in public office, and guides the efforts and commitments of non-government actors to ensure effective synergy in fighting corruption, for improved, more efficient and effective service delivery." Ssekandi added.

Photo by Mary Kansiime

Fr Simon Lokodo the state minister for Ethics and Integrity called on the anti-corruption agencies in Uganda like Office of the Auditor General, Inspectorate of government and police to work together to combat the vice.

Lokodo acknowledged that corruption in Uganda is a syndicate vice with secrecy by top officials in both private and public offices, however he assured whistleblowers of protection against corrupt officials.

He also noted that whistleblowers and witnesses are being threatened by fraud officials which scares them hence denying them evidences in courts of law.

"We are losing corruption cases in the courts of law because Ugandans are hesitant to cooperate as witnesses. This explains why criminals are released due to lack of evidence and witnesses." Lokodo noted.

Anti-corruption week

The seven Day week was flagged off by the vice-president Edward Ssekandi joined by Irene Mulyagonja the IGG, Cornelia Sabiit the Executive Director Public Procurement and Disposal Of public Assets Authority, Justice Mike Chibita the Director of Public Prosecution, Fr. Simon Lokodo the state minister for ethics and integrity, Non-Government organizations, students among others.

The week started with a walk along streets of Kampala to create public awareness on corruption and a similar event will be carried out on Tuesday in fort portal Kabarole district.