Government Unveils New National Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2025-2030: Aiming to Eradicate Corruption in Uganda
By Stephen Ainganiza Communication Officer Kabarole
The Ugandan government is in the process of developing a comprehensive National Anti-Corruption Strategy for the years 2025-2030, aimed at tackling corruption head-on and ensuring that all implicated corrupt government officials are arrested and prosecuted.
This initiative is a response to the recent IGG report indicating a staggering annual loss of approximately 10 trillion shillings due to corruption, funds that could otherwise be utilized to enhance service delivery across the nation.
Officials from the Office of the President, specifically the Directorate of Ethics, Policy, and Standards, have initiated a series of national stakeholder consultation districts countrywide. These meetings are designed to gather insights and recommendations from various sectors on how to effectively combat and ultimately eradicate corruption in Uganda.
Moses Makumbi, the Commissioner in charge of Ethics, Policy, and Standards, in the office of the president emphasized the urgency of this initiative during a stake holders consultative meeting held at the district headquarters in Kitumba.
The meeting attracted a diverse group of participants, including members of the business community, media representatives, clergy, civil society organizations, judiciary members, security agencies, and local government leaders.
Makumbi noted that the previous National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which expired in 2024, has prompted the government to seek input from stakeholders across the country. “We are trying to respond to the president’s call for a new strategy that will effectively fight and eradicate corruption at all levels of government,” he stated.
He said despite the existence of numerous anti-corruption agencies, the president remains deeply concerned about the persistence of corruption and its detrimental effects on service delivery and national development. The consultations aim to identify successful strategies, challenges, and innovative approaches to enhance the fight against corruption.
In reflecting on the previous strategy, Makumbi highlighted several achievements, including the amendment of the Leadership Code Act, which now requires all civil servants to declare their assets, not just senior officials. Additionally, funding for anti-corruption agencies has increased from 60.6 billion to 88.2 billion shillings, and there has been improved coordination among agencies, alongside the adoption of digital tools for quicker recovery of funds from corrupt officials.
Makumbi called upon civil society organizations to assist the government in raising public awareness about corruption and to act as whistleblowers by reporting corruption in public service to relevant authorities.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Hakiza Arthur raised concerns about the moral implications of fighting corruption, emphasizing that addressing salary disparities is crucial. He pointed out the significant wage gap between local government employees and their counterparts in universities and agencies, arguing that this discrepancy demoralizes workers and undermines efforts to combat corruption.
Mr. Ssekabiito Joseph, the Resident District Commissioner of Kabarole, stated that corruption hampers service delivery and development. He suggested that the government consider amalgamating various anti-corruption agencies into a single unit to streamline efforts and enhance communication.
Balinda Resty Mbaijana, Secretary for Works and Technical Services in Kabarole, highlighted the challenges posed by hybrid procurement processes, which she believes compromise service delivery. She noted that when projects procured by the central government stall for extended periods, funds are often returned to the treasury, leading to public suspicion regarding the integrity of local leaders.
As the government moves forward with the development of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2025-2030, the insights gathered from these consultations will be instrumental in shaping a robust framework aimed at eradicating corruption and promoting transparency and accountability in Uganda.