By Patriot corps
Kampala— In a recent address, President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating corruption within the government, emphasizing the importance of accountability among key officials such as Permanent Secretaries, Chief Administrative Officers, and Town Clerks. Despite ongoing legal proceedings that limit public commentary, Museveni assured Ugandans that corruption will be stamped out. He stressed that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) does not victimize anyone without proof, addressing concerns that the NRM might be perceived as lenient on corruption. He acknowledged that while proof of corruption is abundant, responsible officers have not been diligent in pursuing it.
Museveni elaborated on the roles of various officials responsible for government money and personnel, underscoring the return to a merit-based civil service through competitive examinations by the Public Service Commission during NRM’s tenure. However, he admitted that many trusted individuals have failed, necessitating a collaborative effort with victims of corruption and patriots to combat this betrayal. He recalled the patriotism of the 20,000 fighters who attacked Kampala in January 1986 without pay, illustrating the potential for a patriotic alliance to tackle corruption.
He pointed out that corruption among public officials has historical roots, dating back to colonial times and the post-independence period. Museveni proposed examining the effectiveness of Resistance Councils (LCs), originally created to guard citizens’ interests better than public employees. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic, believing that corruption can be crushed through the alliance of patriots and the masses, found in political leadership, public service, and communities.
The President cited an IGG estimate that UGX 10 trillion is diverted annually due to corruption, along with massive tax evasion. He noted that Uganda’s GDP should yield higher tax revenues, which are crucial for national development. Highlighting the potential economic growth, Museveni projected that eliminating corruption and indiscipline could boost Uganda’s economy into double digits, furthering the country’s development and prosperity.