The President has reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption from the grassroots level.
In an official message posted on his X platform on Monday, to wish the First Lady, Mama Janet Kataha, a happy 76th birthday, the President listed several groups at the grassroots level where corruption is prevalent.
These groups include Permanent Secretaries in ministries, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) in districts, town clerks in cities and municipalities, Gombolola Chiefs in sub-counties, and managing directors in parastatals.
The President emphasized that these officials are responsible for government money, personnel affairs, and procurement. He noted that the NRM has historically insisted on proof before taking action against corruption, leading some to believe the party is soft on corruption. However, he assured Ugandans that the NRM does not victimize anyone without evidence and that proof of corruption is abundant but often not pursued by those responsible.
“Since some of the cases are in court, the law does not allow us to comment on them. The evidence will come in court. However, I can assure the Ugandans, that these vices will be stamped out. The NRM does not victimize anybody without proof. That is why some People think that the NRM is soft on corruption. We insist on proof,” He wrote
Highlighting the importance of patriots in the fight against corruption, the President recalled the 20,000 fighters who attacked Kampala in January 1986, describing them as patriots who acted without pay. He lamented that many public officials have let the government down but expressed confidence in the ability to crush corruption through an alliance of patriots and the masses.
“People handling money, personnel and procurement. We now know that many of them have let us down. We shall, therefore, have to work with victims of this corruption and some patriots to crush this betrayal. Are the patriots there? Yes. Where is the proof? The 20,000 fighters that attacked Kampala on the 22nd to the 26th of January, 1986, were mainly patriots.” he noted
The President also mentioned the historical context of corruption among public officials, including policemen, medical assistants, veterinary assistants, chiefs, and teachers, which was prevalent during colonial times and soon after independence. He proposed the creation of Resistance Councils (LCs) to have elected officials guard the interests of the Wanainchi better than public employees.
“That is why I proposed the creation of the Resistance Councils (LCs), believing that People elected by Wanainchi would guard their interests better than public employees. What has happened? We should examine this more and discuss it.” he added
He called for a thorough examination and discussion of the current state of corruption and reiterated his commitment to addressing this issue from the grassroots level.
The President cited financial losses due to corruption, noting that the IGG estimate Ug. Sh.10 trillion per year being diverted, which could otherwise be used to develop the country.
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