Opposing corruption is the patriot's highest obligation

By Lulu Itipa

THE American scholar G. Edward Griffin said, “To oppose corruption in government is the highest obligation of patriotism.”

Griffin’s observation carries two interesting phrases: “in government” and “highest obligation of patriotism”. Griffin is correct but in part to imply that corruption is only in the Government or can be opposed in government.

But what constitutes government in which exists corruption?

The Executive, Legislature and Judiciary broadly constitute the government. So, there is corruption in the Executive – meaning corruption in the presidency, vice-presidency and Cabinet. 

What composes parliament?

Those elected by universal suffrage and special interest groups. Consequently, in the Offices of the speaker, deputy speaker and Members of Parliament (MPs) exists corruption.

The chief justice, deputy chief justice, judges of the supreme, appeal and high courts have the corrupt within their ranks.

Altogether they are the judiciary. Numerous offices combine to constitute the presidency, vice-presidency and cabinet.

Similarly, the speaker, deputy speaker, MPs, clerk to parliament, chief justice, deputy chief justice and judges each head elaborate institutional structures. 

Within and amongst themselves, these organs too interact and interact. In these entire set-ups and functions prowl the corrupt, ask Griffin.

So, no wonder that the current corruption allegations engulfing the Offi ce of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Service, Bank of Uganda, etc are all institutions found in the Government. 

But then there are the likes of Bad Black, Meddie Sentongo or Nandala Mafabi’s “thieves” in FDC. Does it connote that those in the Government directly or by osmosis ‘infected’ them with the malady? 

Griffin is of the conviction that to oppose corruption is the highest obligation of patriotism. Indeed because patriotism is strategic but the government is tactical to a country! 

Also, some in the Government are patriotic just as some outside the Government are corrupt: they all live webbed together in one country. 

That is why Griffin should have said, “To oppose corruption is the highest obligation of patriotism”.

The writer works with the National Patriotism Secretariat