Uganda is facing an alarming financial loss due to corruption, with an estimated Shs10 trillion 44 percent of its domestic revenue draining out annually, according to Beti Kamya, the Inspector General of Government (IGG).
Kamya revealed this during the handover of the Inspectorate of Government’s Bi-Annual Performance Report, urging Ugandans to recognize themselves as victims of corruption and join the fight against the vice.
“During the reporting period, the Inspectorate of Government prioritized the prevention of corruption as the main approach in eliminating corruption and promoting strict adherence to the rule of law,” Kamya stated. “We have opened up the Inspectorate to the public and are inviting Ugandans to join this war against corruption.”
The IGG stressed that the Shs10 trillion lost annually represents a significant portion of Uganda’s financial resources, equivalent to 44% of domestic revenue.
Between January and June 2024, the Inspectorate recommended the recovery of Shs15.7 billion from corrupt individuals. However, only Shs2.3 billion, a mere 15% of the targeted amount, was recovered. Kamya expressed concern over this low recovery rate, attributing it to insufficient funding and inadequate resources to fully combat corruption.
In addition to financial losses, Kamya highlighted corruption in government job recruitment as a significant issue. A study conducted across 20 districts revealed rampant corruption in the recruitment processes of district service commissions. Complaints of irregular recruitment practices prompted the Inspectorate to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of outsourcing recruitment to private firms. The preliminary findings of this research confirmed widespread corruption within the existing recruitment processes, especially in district service commissions.
“We received numerous complaints about irregular recruitment, which is why we undertook this research. The findings show that corruption in recruitment is rampant, especially in district service commissions,” Kamya explained.
Despite the challenges, Kamya informed the Speaker that her office is determined to continue its work, advocating for greater public involvement and institutional reforms to reduce corruption and recover more stolen funds.
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, expressed her appreciation for the IGG’s efforts, praising Kamya for consistently submitting performance reports to Parliament, as required by the Constitution. Among commended Kamya’s work, assuring her of Parliament’s unwavering support.
“We appreciate the work you are doing for this country. It is you and us who will bring change. Parliament will always give you our support,” Speaker Among remarked. She also urged Kamya to increase public awareness of the dangers of corruption and to build stronger relationships with citizens to encourage whistleblowing and transparency.
Kamya reported that the number of corruption complaints filed between January and July 2024 increased to 1,657, up from 1,276 cases reported in the previous six months. She attributed this rise to increased public engagement and awareness of the need to report corruption cases.
The Speaker echoed this sentiment, encouraging the IGG to enhance its efforts in public awareness campaigns. “Create friendships with the people, and they will tell you who is taking what. That will be the starting point,” Speaker Among urged.
Uganda’s battle against corruption remains a critical issue, and with public support and adequate resources, there is hope that the country can reduce the Shs10 trillion annual loss and promote a more transparent government system.
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