By Richard Onapatum
In a bid to combat corruption and ensure effective service delivery, Maj. Martha Asiimwe, Head of the RDC Secretariat/Anti-Corruption Unit, and Fred Bamwine, Commissioner in charge of the Karamoja region, conducted a comprehensive monitoring exercise and meeting at the Kotido District headquarters.
The meeting, which brought together district leaders, local government officials, and other stakeholders, aimed to assess the current state of service delivery in the district and identify areas that require improvement. It also provided a platform for leaders to reaffirm their commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Maj. Asiimwe emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring public funds are utilized effectively. “It has come to our attention that some officials have been issuing only half of the allocated amount to beneficiaries, while retaining the remaining portion for personal gain. This is unacceptable and undermines the government’s efforts to uplift the poor and vulnerable,” she stated.
Maj. Asiimwe urged leaders to prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that public funds are used for the intended purposes. She also emphasized the need for leaders to lead by example, demonstrating integrity and accountability in their own conduct.
“The fight against corruption requires a multi-faceted approach,” Maj. Asiimwe noted. “We must work together to create a culture of transparency and accountability, where corruption is not tolerated and those who engage in it are held accountable.”
Fred Bamwine reiterated the need for cooperation among leaders to achieve quality service delivery and align their efforts with the government’s socio-economic transformation agenda and the NRM Manifesto.
“We must work together to ensure that our efforts are coordinated and effective,” Bamwine emphasized. “This includes organizing Barazas at community levels to improve outcomes for citizens and promoting initiatives that create jobs, enhance household incomes, and uplift vulnerable groups.”
Bamwine also addressed the challenges of monitoring and accountability, urging district leaders to take ownership of these processes and ensure that they are effective in promoting transparency and accountability.
“Monitoring and accountability are critical components of good governance,” Bamwine noted. “We must ensure that these processes are in place and that they are effective in promoting transparency and accountability.”
The meeting concluded with a rallying call for unity and a commitment to prioritize initiatives that create jobs, enhance household incomes, and uplift vulnerable groups. Kotido RDC Charles Ichogor vowed to fight corruption relentlessly, emphasizing that it’s a collective responsibility.
“We must stand united against corruption and work together to achieve the socio-economic transformation of our communities,” Ichogor stated. “We will not tolerate corruption in any form and will work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in it are held accountable.”
The leaders’ commitment to transparency and accountability marks a significant step towards improving service delivery and fostering socio-economic development in Kotido. This effort is crucial, as corruption undermines the state’s ability to effectively deliver services and maintain the rule of law, affecting the business climate and standing in the way of sustainable economic and social development.
As the district moves forward, it is clear that the fight against corruption will require sustained effort and commitment from all stakeholders. However, with the leadership’s renewed commitment to transparency and accountability, there is hope that Kotido will make significant progress in the days ahead.
The success of this effort will depend on the ability of leaders to work together, prioritize transparency and accountability, and promote initiatives that benefit the community as a whole. It will also require the active participation of citizens, who must demand accountability from their leaders and work together to create a culture of transparency and integrity.
RDC Ichogor noted, that “The fight against corruption is not just a matter of punishing those who engage in it. It’s about creating a culture of transparency and accountability, where corruption is not tolerated and those who engage in it are held accountable.”
With this renewed commitment to transparency and accountability, Kotido is poised to make significant progress in the days ahead. As the district moves forward, it is clear that the fight against corruption will require sustained effort and commitment from all stakeholders. However, with the leadership’s renewed commitment to transparency and accountability, there is hope that Kotido will emerge as a model of good governance and socio-economic development.
In conclusion, the anti-corruption drive in Kotido marks a significant step towards improving service delivery and fostering socio-economic development in the district. With the leadership’s renewed commitment to transparency and accountability, there is hope that Kotido will make significant progress in the days ahead.