In Uganda’s Busoga sub-region, public officials have linked their corrupt actions to the low salaries they receive, as uncovered by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) through its recent inquiries.
Gerald Gwaira, an official from the Ombudsman’s office, has reported that public servants often rationalize their corrupt activities by blaming their poor remuneration, which they argue affects their work performance.
“At our recent sessions aimed at raising awareness and preventing corruption in Kamuli, Kaliro, and Namutumba districts, we’ve heard from numerous public servants who cite their low pay as a reason for their involvement in corruption,” Gwaira informed a group of public servants, CSOs, youth and women leaders, and religious authorities in Namutumba District.
However, Gwaira has pointed out that their findings do not support the notion that low pay leads to corruption, as theft is also found among those with higher salaries, indicating that greed may be the underlying factor.
The IGG’s office has determined that it is more beneficial to prevent corruption through advocacy and awareness training than to arrest those found guilty.
“The IGG’s office will soon initiate forums in each district of the Busoga sub-region specifically to discuss corruption. The battle against corruption is not just for President Museveni and the IGG, but for all Ugandans,” he asserted.
IGG data suggests that Uganda loses about Shs10 trillion annually to corruption.
Gwaira warned, “If we do not join forces to combat corruption, the future of Uganda is at stake,” implying that the region’s poverty is a consequence of the misdeeds of those entrusted with public roles.
Joseph Mulamuzi, an IGG officer, has noted that corruption in Uganda is not limited to public servants but also includes politicians and private individuals who do not return government funds.
He referred to the misappropriation of Social Assistance Grants and the non-delivery of services by individual contractors who have received government contracts.
Kagere Kauma, the Principal Assistant CAO of Namutumba District, has called for in-depth investigations into those who fail to repay government loans.
Charles Nabanja, the chairperson of Namutumba central market, has requested that IGG Betty Kamya investigate the actions of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) who are reportedly issuing unauthorized rulings on land disputes.
