A few years back, if you stepped outside the borders of Uganda, the most likely question you would encounter, if people recognize you as a Ugandan, would be about Idi Amin. It seems that the question about the late former president has been replaced by questions about the levels of corruption in Uganda.
Ironically, within Uganda, fighting corruption is often heralded as a national priority, both by the leadership and the general citizenry. From the highest offices to the casual conversations of boda-boda riders that you can barely hear over the traffic noise.
The corruption narrative is almost as prevalent as the national anthem. One might think that the corruption we discuss is perpetrated by foreigners, not by Ugandans.
In my opinion, one root cause of corruption is the mismatch between employee remuneration and the rising cost of living. This is not to say that I condone embezzling money by employees due to pressing needs. However, unless the government and employers genuinely prioritize the welfare of their employees and address fundamental socio-economic issues, the fight against corruption will remain more myth than reality.
In one of my former jobs, I had to deal with allegations of security guards siphoning fuel from standby generators at a remote location housing company equipment. These installations were expensive, worth millions of dollars, and the guards were paid less than $100 a month. Perhaps better remuneration for these guards could have helped.
Economic hardship is a critical factor contributing to corruption. The blunt reality is that the cost of living in Uganda has surged, while salaries in both the public and private sectors have stagnated.
In 2010, a two-bedroom apartment in Bukoto cost 400,000 UGX; today, the same apartment is priced at 1,500,000 UGX per month, while salaries have not adjusted accordingly. This disparity has pushed many individuals to the brink of survival, creating a breeding ground for corrupt practices. When people struggle to make ends meet, they are more likely to resort to unethical means to supplement their income.
On a macro level, one of the most evident obstacles to combating corruption in Uganda is the fragility of institutional frameworks. When institutions tasked with enforcing laws and managing public resources lack transparency, capacity, and effective mechanisms, they become fertile grounds for corruption.
If key institutions are compromised or inefficient, efforts to tackle corruption will inevitably falter. This institutional weakness creates a situation where corrupt practices become ingrained and accepted, as there are no strong systems to challenge them. This is not to mention the image it portrays to the general public.
The recent protests calling for the public to march to parliament in a demonstration against corruption is a clear example. While I don’t think these are effective means of fighting corruption, this restlessness indicates that the public has lost trust in the very institutions meant to combat corruption.
Another significant issue is the selective and often superficial nature of anti-corruption measures. Publicized efforts to combat corruption tend to be selective, with some individuals being held accountable while others escape scrutiny.
This uneven enforcement undermines public trust and perpetuates a cycle of impunity. If people perceive that the risks of getting caught are minimal or that punishment is inconsistent, the incentive to engage in corrupt practices remains strong.
Political patronage systems further complicate the fight against corruption. In Uganda, political leaders frequently rely on networks of loyal supporters who are granted positions of power or financial benefits in exchange for political support.
This creates a delicate balance where challenging corruption may risk destabilizing the political base or jeopardizing personal positions. As long as political patronage remains a central feature of governance, genuine anti-corruption efforts will be undermined by entrenched interests.
Uganda’s reliance on foreign aid and external funding introduces another layer of complexity. The management of these funds often suffers from a lack of oversight and accountability, providing opportunities for mismanagement and corruption.
When financial flows are not transparently monitored, the diversion of resources becomes a significant risk. Strengthening mechanisms for overseeing aid and ensuring that it is used effectively is crucial for reducing opportunities for corruption. Many development partners have now resorted to channeling support directly to the benefiting communities as opposed to government agencies and sometimes cutting off support altogether.
Cultural attitudes also play a role in perpetuating corruption. In many cases, practices like bribery and nepotism are deeply ingrained in social and cultural norms. It’s common to see public officials shunned by their community if they hold a high government office and do not recruit relatives and village mates.
An appointment to a public office is seen as an opportunity for one’s community to benefit. When these practices are normalized, challenging them becomes a formidable task. Transforming deeply embedded cultural attitudes requires a concerted and sustained effort, which is often lacking in the face of more immediate political and economic concerns.
The fight against corruption is not unique to Uganda. No country in the world is corruption-proof. However, some countries have made tangible progress that we can benchmark.
They have proven that addressing corruption requires more than just verbal commitments and superficial measures. It necessitates a comprehensive approach that includes addressing economic disparities, strengthening institutional frameworks, ensuring consistent enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and establishing a general culture of transparency and accountability.
Political leaders, employers, and civil society must work together to create an environment where the welfare of employees is prioritized and where the fight against corruption is not merely a myth but a tangible reality