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During the recent government retreat in Kyankwanzi, Uganda’s leadership, under H.E. President Museveni’s guidance, several resolutions to intensify the fight against corruption were discussed.
One of the significant steps taken was emphasizing the establishment of specialized units under the State House, including the Tax Investigations Unit and the Accountancy and Audit Unit, to oversee accounting officers. These units will address critical issues such as tax evasion, under-declarations, and the misappropriation of funds.
Your Excellency, you also emphasized the need for stricter judicial measures, including abolishing bail for individuals accused of serious crimes such as corruption. Highlighting that corruption costs Uganda approximately UGX 9.7 trillion annually, you stressed that eradicating corruption is essential for effective service delivery and socio-economic transformation.
The retreat further featured candid discussions among cabinet ministers and permanent secretaries, focusing on areas of underperformance and identifying practical solutions to enhance governance and accountability. The outcomes of these discussions are highly anticipated and expected to be implemented to improve the country’s governance.
To me, corruption is a scourge that has long plagued Uganda, hindering development, eroding public trust, and undermining the effective delivery of public services. Your Excellency, your commitment to eradicating corruption is clear and commendable. However, more bold and innovative measures are needed to make significant strides in this battle.
One strategic proposal is the deployment of military personnel in key government roles. Army personnel in Uganda are known for their discipline, integrity, and a strong sense of duty. Their outstanding performance and quick response to national concerns have been witnessed in the Engineering brigade and the rescue teams.
Recruiting them as Accounting officers, auditors, and procurement officers in government offices can enhance transparency and accountability in financial transactions. Their training and hierarchical structure make them less susceptible to corrupt influences, ensuring diligent oversight of public funds.
Placing military personnel in strategic positions such as permanent secretaries and public service payroll managers will ensure meticulous management of public resources and payroll systems.
Their rigorous training and commitment to duty will deter fraudulent activities and ensure that public servants are remunerated fairly and promptly. Deploying army officers as district service commissioners, CAOs, town clerks, and sub-county chiefs will bring a heightened sense of accountability and efficiency to local government administration. Their presence will deter corruption at the grassroots level, ensuring that development funds are used appropriately and public services are delivered effectively.
The advantages of military personnel in civil roles are manifold. Unlike civilian officials, military personnel can be easily held accountable through the court-martial system. This swift and decisive form of justice will serve as a strong deterrent to corruption, ensuring that any misconduct is addressed promptly and effectively.
The military ethos of discipline, loyalty, and integrity will permeate through the administrative structures, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. This shift will not only deter corrupt practices but also restore public confidence in government institutions.
Additionally, military personnel are trained to operate efficiently under pressure and meet stringent deadlines. Their involvement in civil administration will streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enhance the overall effectiveness of government operations.
Employing military spies and external auditors can further enhance oversight. Deploying military spies as external auditors will provide an additional layer of oversight. These officers can conduct covert inspections and audits, ensuring that public officials adhere to ethical standards and that public funds are used appropriately.
A dedicated mobile force can conduct surprise inspections of government offices and institutions. This unpredictability will keep officials vigilant and deter corrupt practices, as they will be aware that their actions are subject to scrutiny at any moment.
Establishing a robust hotline system for whistle-blowers, coupled with a rapid response team, will ensure that reports of corruption are addressed immediately. This proactive approach will deter potential offenders and provide a safe channel for citizens to report corrupt activities without fear of reprisal.
Swift action upon receiving whistle-blower reports will demonstrate the government’s commitment to fighting corruption. This responsiveness will build public trust and encourage more citizens to come forward with information on corrupt activities.
To ensure swift and decisive action against corruption, the introduction of kangaroo courts is proposed. These courts will handle corruption cases expeditiously, ensuring that justice is served without the lengthy delays associated with traditional legal processes.
Individuals found guilty in kangaroo courts should face immediate penalties, including removal from office, imprisonment, confiscation, and auctioning of their property to refund the government. Additionally, they should be red-listed from working for any government entity forever.
Changing the legal standard from “innocent until proven guilty” to “guilty until proven innocent” for corruption cases will place the burden of proof on the accused. This shift will expedite the judicial process and deter potential offenders.
Your Excellency, the strategic deployment of military personnel in key administrative roles, coupled with the introduction of military spies, external auditors, a mobile inspection force, immediate response mechanisms, and kangaroo courts, represents a formidable strategy to combat corruption in Uganda.
By leveraging the discipline, integrity, and accountability inherent in the military, a robust framework for transparent and efficient governance can be created. Implementing these measures will not only deter corrupt practices but also restore public confidence in government institutions, fostering a culture of accountability and trust.
Asaph Blair Gumisiriza (Bitaraabe) Is a Concerned Citizen
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