Lack of Political will still a hazzard in the Fight against Corruption.

By Teddy Namayanja, Public Relations Officer.

Despite the numerous government policies, action plans, strategies, laws and established institutions like the Inspectorate of Government among others with elaborate and promising mandates to fight corruption, the vice has continuously increased and according to statistics; Uganda still ranks top in the East African region in bribery prevalence according to the East African Bribery Index 2013 while government loses 300 billion in corruption related cases every year.

Civil Society Organizations have also joined the struggle in the recent past by launching a number of campaigns and activities to fight the vice for example the Black Monday campaign but in vain.

The 9^th Parliament has so far demonstrated a strong stance against the vice through objective house debates on pertinent issues and demanding for accountability from government through its watch dog; the Public Accounts Committee but still, not much has been yielded. In fact a group of legislators dubbed; Anti-Corruption crusaders some of them are from the National Resistance Movement the ruling party, others from the opposition while some are Independents formed the Anti Corruption Crusaders Campaign however, In a twist of events, the Members of Parliament (MP) from the ruling party were expelled from NRM for allegedly taking on adamant positions from the earlier on agreed Party positions. The Coalition by MP’s had at least been active for the previous two years.

Such scenarios only point at one thing and that is the lack of political will from government to fight corruption. One would not be wrong to say that it is this kind of situation that perhaps prompted Makindye East MP Hon. John Simbwa to introduce the Anti Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2012 currently tabled before parliament.

Even with such a Bill before parliament, Civil Society Organizations and a number of MP’s  still have fears that the bill might be ignored or if it does, then it will be discussed and thereafter shelved.

These sentiments were shared and echoed by a number of participants during a workshop mobilized by the Anti Corruption Coalition Uganda recently to seek their views on the Bill.

The Anti Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2012 is a Private Member’s Bill that seeks to strengthen the fight against corruption and is currently under scrutiny before parliament.

“Tabling the Bill is a good move to curb corruption and as Members of Parliament we have already shown our commitment, but my major fear is that without the political will and commitment from the government, the Bill will just remain on paper while swindling of public funds goes on;” said Jinja East MP Hon. Paul Mwiru.

Among others clauses, the Bill seeks to strengthen Part VII of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 by providing that properties owned or controlled by a person convicted of the offense of corruption or embezzlement or abuse of office; and any property owned by relatives, close associates so long as court is satisfied that the said property was derived from the offense of corruption should be confiscated.

The new Bill that defines a relative as a person who is a parent, brother, sister, spouse (including defacto spouse and ex-spouse), daughter, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, grand-parent, or grand-child of that person whether by birth, adoption or marriage, will give teeth to the existing legislation by making it possible for the state to seize the property, assets and bank accounts of those convicted of corruption.

The Uganda Police Force is the most corrupt institution with 60% according to the East African Bribery Index 2013. The Lands Service takes the second position with 46.7% and the Judiciary in the third position with 42.0%.

Although the Bill seeks to amend certain provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 which have been found to be inadequate and to incorporate new legal provisions aimed at recovering the wealth derived from corruption, the Bill will only see light of day if government walks the talk on the fight against corruption.

 The time is now for all Ugandans to join the struggle by supporting the Bill and most importantly, demanding for accountability of their resources from the duty bearers because it is every ones right to enjoy good service delivery with excellent infrastructure.

Together we can make a difference!