The Republic of

The A Newsletter of the Inspectorate of Government.

Zero Tolerance to

Editorial Welcome to the 1st Edition of the Inspector Newsletter, a quarterly publication of the Inspectorate of Government. Eliminating corruption is a war that we continue to fight and it is the responsibility of every Ugandan to fight this scourge that has penetrated our society. We have introduced this newsletter to Mr Raphael Baku, Inspector General of Government improve information sharing with our stakeholders and also create awareness of the wider public. Fighting Corruption is the

While the Inspectorate of Responsibility of Every Ugandan Government is taking the By Mr Raphael Baku it is now entrenched in the lead in the fight against Ag. Inspector General of Government Constitution under chapter 13, corruption, this fight cannot which prescribes its mandate, be won without the support Corruption is a big threat to functions and powers and other of the public. Monitoring the country’s economy and relevant matters. One of the public institutions to ensure service delivery. Unfortunately functions of the Inspectorate effective and efficient service in Uganda, society has largely of Government is to eliminate delivery is the duty of every accepted corruption as a way and foster the elimination of citizen. Where cases of of life. When we talk about corruption, abuse of authority corruption are sighted, it is corruption we are looking at and of public office. The powers the responsibility of every , embezzlement, causing as enshrined in the Constitution Ugandan to report these cases financial loss, false accounting, and IG Act include; investigate to the nearest Inspectorate , or cause investigation, arrest or of Government office to be to mention a few. The most cause arrest, prosecute or cause addressed and handled. common form of corruption in prosecution in respect of cases Uganda is bribery, according involving corruption, abuse of Regional offices have been to the 3rd National Integrity set up to ease reporting of authority or of public office; Survey that was carried out by corrupt officials. Corruption make orders and give directions has caused loss of lives in one the Inspectorate of Government during investigations and as a way or another. Tomorrow in 2008. consequence of findings access it may be yours. Say No and search – enter and inspect to corruption for better The Inspectorate of Government premises or property or search living standards for a better was initially established by the Inspector General of Government Uganda. Continues to page 3 1 (IGG) statute in 1988 but

Zero Tolerance to Corruption Achievements of the Inspectorate of Government Integrity Clubs become Ambassadors for the Anti-Corruption crusade among the fellow youths in the various Institutions they attend. To- date, 25 Integrity Clubs in Tertiary Institutions within the country have been launched.

System Studies In accordance with our Corporate and Development Plan, the Inspectorate of Government has embarked on carrying out research into weak systems and policies with a view of plugging the gaps that may be conducive to corrupt practices and poor governance.

To achieve this, we have for example carried out system studies into the Management of National Social Security Fund, Management of By Mr. Bageya Waiswa Civil cases the Land Offices and management Sec/Inspectorate of Government The Inspectorate of Government of examinations by the Uganda handles civil suits, including civil National Examinations Board. The Over the years since the applications and constitutional findings and recommendations of establishment of the Inspectorate petitions instituted by or against these studies were disseminated to of Government (IG), a number the Inspectorate in courts of the various stakeholders. of achievements have been Judicature. registered. Within the mandate of the Inspectorate of Government Integrity Surveys ; of investigation and causing Public Awareness Programmes Integrity Surveys are an important investigation, 3574 complaints It was realized that to be successful tool used by IG in fighting corruption have been investigated since in the fight against corruption, there and monitoring its levels in the 2008 some of which have resulted was need to sensitize the public country. The surveys help the IG to into dismissals, interdictions, about the evils of corruption, how gauge the public perception about demotions, reprimands, arrests and to detect and report corruption to corruption and generate empirical prosecutions. relevant agencies; and how to make data both of which can be used meaningful contribution towards in the policy making process and good governance in the country. identification of areas for strategic Arrests and Prosecutions intervention. The first National Since 2008, 110 public officers have The IG therefore has conducted Integrity Survey was carried out in been arrested for various corruption Public awareness programmes 1998, the second in 2003 and the offences. Many of them have been through workshops for district and third in 2008. The findings and prosecuted in courts of law. Some of student leaders, radio and TV talk- recommendations of these surveys the high profile cases being handled shows and publications of booklets to were disseminated to various local include that of former Ministers of enlighten, sensitize as well as inform leaders in the regions of Uganda. Health and one State House Staff on the public about corruption. These During these workshops the leaders charges of mismanaging over shs.1 programmes have also targeted the drew up Action Plans on how to bn under the Global Fund project. youth since they are key in the fight tackle corruption in their areas of Other high profile personalities against corruption. Film shows on operation. arrested and charged include the evils of corruption have been members of Parliament, magistrates, shown in over 50 schools from 19 the former Chief Executive of the districts so far. More shows are Capacity Building National Social Security Fund scheduled to be screened in schools The Inspectorate of Government (NSSF), over 10 District Chief all over the country. attaches great importance to training Administrative Officers and over 50 of its staff in order to equip them senior public officials. The IG has also promoted and with knowledge, skills and attitudes supported the establishment to enhance their performance. Staff of Integrity Clubs in Tertiary of the Inspectorate of Government Institutions. The members of the attended various training 2 programmes including among

A Newsletter of the Inspectorate of Government Zero Tolerance to Corruption others, Surveillance Techniques, poor resource mobilization as a Financial Forensic Techniques, Fighting Corruption result of poor or no accountability Trial Advocacy and Plea Bargaining, and above all it increases the cost Procurement Fraud Task, Human Continued from page 1 of running public institutions thus Resource Management and others. increasing the debt burden. a person or bank account or safe deposit box among others. Corruption increases poverty National and International by denying the poor the chance Cooperation In 2009, the Anti-Corruption Act to benefit from government The Inspectorate of Government was enacted. This Act empowers programmes aimed at alleviating in the execution of its mandate, the Inspectorate of Government to poverty. In a study carried out by networks with a number of National fight corruption in the public and Transparency International, they and International agencies. These private sectors. It was realized found that forty percent of the networks have been formed on that while many public officials are countries scoring below three in the basis of sharing experiences corrupt, they are being corrupted the 2008 Corruption Perception and knowledge in the fight against by the private sector and that Index are classified by the World corruption. To enhance further the private sector corruption can also Bank as poor countries. fight against corruption, umbrella have a devastating effect on the associations have also been formed economy as it happened during the The world is targeting the at both the African and East African recent Global Financial Crunch. attainment of the Millennium Level. Development Goals (MDGs) by This Act follows the establishment 2015, but as long as corruption These umbrella bodies include; of the Anti-Corruption Court persists, Uganda will not achieve The East African Association which was set up to ensure speedy this target. In a situation where of Anti-Corruption Authorities handling of corruption related pregnant mothers and children (EAACA), the African Ombudsman cases. To date this court has cannot access medical care Association, while the partnerships handled over 700 cases ranging leading to loss of their lives, quality and collaborations include; from causing financial loss, of primary education is poor due Administrative Control Authority of corruption, bribery, embezzlement to corrupt headmasters and local Egypt, the Anti-Corruption Agencies among others. The existence of the leaders, achieving the MDG targets of Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Rwanda, Anti-corruption Court and Act is will remain a dream. South Africa among many others. a clear indication of government’s Our local partnerships include; commitment to fight corruption. The responsibility to fight Transparency International, Anti corruption is upon every Ugandan. Corruption Coalition and Civil Society When we look at the effects of Let us not give room for corruption Organisations. corruption on the county’s economy to thrive in our country. Let every and service delivery, it is clear that Ugandan say “NO” to corruption. The Inspectorate has received support corruption undermines resource from various Development Partners. mobilisation, sustainability of The IG thanks these Development development initiatives, leads to For God and My Country Partners for the continued support to bad governance, encourages poor the institution. These include; Danish quality service delivery as a result Agency for International Development of being compromised, causes (DANIDA), Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), African Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

To commemorate the 2009 International Anti-Corruption Day, the Inpectorate of Government in conjuction with Transparency Internationa (Uganda) and UNDP organized an Anti-Corruption dialogue under the theme “Winning the War against Corruption is Crucial to the Realization of the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development”. The dialogue which was attended by Government officials, Development Partners, civil society and the academia drew up resolutions and recommendations on issues of corruption to be presented to various Government Institutions for action. The Ag. IGG addressing participants in a sensitization workshop on the need to combat corruption 3

Zero Tolerance to Corruption How to lodge Acts Constituting the Offence a complaint of of Corruption Corruption to the From the Anti- Corruption Act, 2009: Inspectorate of The Anti-corruption Act 2009 was assented to by His Excellency Government the President of the Republic of Uganda in July 2009. This Act provides for among others, the effectual prevention of corruption Complaints may be lodged in the in both the public and the private sector. Corruption as per the following ways; act is an offence constituted through; • Write to the Inspector 1. Soliciting or accepting directly or indirectly by a public General of Government, officer any form of gratification for himself or herself or for Inspectorate of another person or entity in exchange for any act or omission Government, P.O Box 1682 in the performance of his or her public functions. Kampala, Uganda.

2. Offering or granting, directly or indirectly to a public official • Visit any of the IG offices any form of gratification for himself or herself or for another during office hours (8:30am- person or entity, in exchange for any act or omission in 5:00pm) and make a verbal the performance of his or her public functions. report to the officer on duty which will be reduced in 3. Diversion or use by a public official of any movable or writing. immovable property, monies or securities belonging to • Make a telephone call to the state, an independent agent or to an individual who the office nearest to you receives such property by virtue of his or her position for or our hotline 041347387 purposes of administration, custody or for other reasons, during office hours. for purposes unrelated to those for which they were intended, for his or her benefit or a third party. • Send a fax to any of the Inspectorate of Government 4. Offering, giving, promising, soliciting or accepting directly offices nearest to you. or indirectly, of any un due advantage by any person who • Send an email to works in a public sector entity for himself or herself or [email protected] for any other person, for him or her to act, or refrain from with details of the case acting, in breach of their duties. and particulars of the complaint. 5. Offering, giving, solicitation or acceptance directly or indirectly, or promising of any undue advantage to or by • Go to the website at www. any person who asserts or confirms that he or she is able igg.go.ug to a section/link to exert improper influence over decision making of any titled “Report A Case” and person performing functions in the public or private sector type in the particulars. in consideration of undue advantage. Who may complain 6. Fraudulent acquisition, use or concealment of property a) Any individual, body of derived from any of the acts referred to in this section. persons, or company. In case of a prisoner or an employee 7. Participation as a principal, co- principal, agent, instigator, in public service, it shall accomplice or accessory after the act, or in any other not be necessary to lodge a manner in the commission or attempted commission of complaint through the prison , or in any collaboration or conspiracy to commit, any of officials or supervisors as the the acts referred to in this section. case may be. 8. Any act or omission in the discharge of his or her duties b) The complainant or his/her by a public official for the purpose of illicitly obtaining representative. benefits for himself or for a third party. Matters that the Inspectorate 9. Neglect of duty of Government cannot handle 4 The Inspectorate of Government

A Newsletter of the Inspectorate of Government Zero Tolerance to Corruption does not have power to handle; Transnational Corruption and the Case for Inter • Any matter that has already National Co-operation against Corruption: been decided by courts of law or established tribunals • Any matter that is before a court for adjudication • Any matter where the President has exercised the prerogative of mercy • Any matter that the president certifies as prejudicial to the national security ,defense or international relations of A team of trainers from the Administrative Control Authority of Egypt training Uganda Inspectors from IG on how to use technology to fight corruption. • Any matter that will By Adrian Kiiza need to put in place and effectively Senior Principle Inspectorate Officer lead to the disclosure of enforce/implement international proceedings of cabinet In the past 20 years, technological agreements among various border advancement and globalization jurisdictions to enable; exchange • Any matter that is have opened up vast opportunities of crime information, obtaining confidential and may be for cross-border linkages which evidence, restraint and confiscation injurious to public interest in turn have promoted the of crime proceeds and appropriate perpetration of transnational handling of fugitives Matters that the Inspectorate corruption and crime, particularly of Government may decide in the form of money laundering.. International law enforcement not to handle co-operation is therefore key in On account of the above ensuring that perpetrators of The Inspectorate of Government phenomenon, nowadays law transnational crime have zero has discretion not to handle: enforcement is facing a more opportunity to shun investigation complex and sophisticated and escape justice. This effort will • Any matter where the challenge from criminals who have require full implementation of the complainant has had the extended their activities, across two international instruments; the opportunity of getting redress jurisdictional boundaries. The United Nations Convention against from an executive authority, criminals are taking advantage of Corruption (UNCAC) and the tribunal or court of law; increased cross border business United Nations Convention against activities, rapid movement of Transnational Organized Crime • Any matter that is trivial, money, telecommunications and (UNCTOC). These instruments frivolous or vexatious or computer skills to ‘export” and have a frame work of laws that can not made in good faith; “import” new forms of corruption. enable enforcement fraternities This reality is well recognized by to work more closely as partners • Any matter where the the United Nations Convention in the fight against transnational investigation would be against Transnational Organized corruption and crime, which unnecessary, improper or Crime (UNCTOC) and the United are defining issues of the 21st futile Nations convention against Century. Under the auspices of Corruption (UNCAC). In the words the two conventions provisions are • Any matter that is of the former United Nations made to the effect of International time barred under the Secretary General, Kofi Annan, “if Cooperation in the fields of; law Inspectorate of Government crime crosses all borders, so must enforcement, joint investigations, Act 2002; that is where the law enforcement.” training, witnesses, mutual legal complainant did not lodge assistance and extradition. the complaint and a period However, organized crime has of two or more years has become more and more difficult The great question to ask is; elapsed. to detect as its activities operate how is Uganda prepared to fight across sovereign borders, involving transnational corruption and Complaints can be lodged at any multiple jurisdictions and different crime, in view of the openness of of the Inspectorate of Government judicial systems. This being more its economy? Let us hear from Offices so when need arises to obtain you in the next issue of this News evidence necessary to prosecute the Letter. offenders. This places the urgent 5

Zero Tolerance to Corruption The Leadership of the Inspectorate of Government 2010

The Ag. Inspector General of Mr. Bageya Waiswa is the -ance with the law by rendering Government Secretary to the Inspectorate legal advice to the Inspectorate of Government (the Accounting of Government. He is in charge Officer). As the head of finance of addressing issues of mal- and administration of the administration in public offices institution, he provides policy through handling of complaints direction for the Inspectorate involving administrative of Government, ensures injustice. He is also responsible budget and budgetary control, for enhancing transparency provides effective coordination and accountability in public of the activities of the office and offices through prosecution manages and coordinates the of suspects of corruption and administrative matters of the abuse of office. Institution. The Director of Education The Director of Operations and Prevention of Corruption The Inspectorate of Government is currently headed by Mr. Raphael Baku as an acting Inspector General of Government. Mr Baku is the substantive Deputy Inspector General of Government following his re-appointed by the President with the approval of the Parliament of Uganda. As the head of the institution, he provides guidance on the Mr. James Penywii is the functioning of the office and Director of Operations and is therefore, authorizes and responsible for ensuring that supervises investigations of accountability and transparency cases of corruption; issues in public offices is enforced reports of investigations; issues through investigations of cases Mr. Jossy Jules Rwereeza is bank inspection orders; issues of corruption. the Director of Education and witness summons; issues Prevention of Corruption and warrants of arrests; authorizes The Director of Legal Affairs is responsible for stimulating prosecutions; issues orders/ public awareness about the directives in the course or as a values of Constitutionalism consequence of investigations; and the activities of the issues IG Parliamentary Reports Inspectorate of Government among other activities. through workshops/seminars, radios, TVs, articles in the print The Secretary to the media and other means the Inspectorate of Government Inspectorate of Government considers appropriate.

Mr. Sydney Asubo is the Director of Legal Affairs and is responsible for ensuring that the Inspectorate of Government executes its functions and 6 exercises its powers in accord-

A Newsletter of the Inspectorate of Government Zero Tolerance to Corruption The Director of Leadership His directorate coordinates of the Information and Internal Code Regional Offices and provides Inspection Unit who ensures statistical information on the efficiency, transparency and output of the Inspectorate of accountability among staff of Government. the Inspectorate of Government by detecting and curtailing The Director of Ombudsman possible corruption among staff. Affairs In addition his unit gathers information on corruption in the country. The Unit also vets newly recruited staff and ensures that they have genuine academic qualifications with a clean record.

Ms. Susan Bisharira is the The Ag Undersecretary Director of Leadership Code Finance and Administration and is responsible for ensuring that the principles and values of integrity, transparency and Mr. David Makumbi is the accountability among leaders in Director of Ombudsman Affairs public institutions as specified and is responsible for ensuring in the Leadership Code Act that the rule of law and good are adhered to. This is done governance are maintained by ensuring that the leaders by public officers through declare their income, assets investigation of administrative and liabilities. Her directorate practices of public officers. also investigates leaders who engage in conduct prohibited by The Directorate is also tasked the Leadership Code of Conduct with carrying out systems Ms Glory Anaŋun is the Ag in addition to verification of studies in various Government Undersecretary Finance and leaders’ declarations. Departments and Institutions Administration. The Department which are continuously of Finance and Administration, The Director of Regional complained about by the general exists to ensure that there is a Offices and Follow Up public, with a view of identifying conducive work environment long term solutions to systemic for the staff to deliver optimum bad governance or disrespect for services to both internal the rule of law in problematic and external clients through institutions.. with a view to provision of support services in identify weak areas that may be the areas of administration and conducive to corruption. establishment, management of financial resource and The Head of Information & manpower development. Internal Inspection Unit

Vision: “Good governance with an ethical and corruption free society” Hajji Abon Muzamil is the Director of Regional Offices and Mission: Follow Up and is responsible “To promote good governance through enhancing for improvement of efficiency of accountability and transparency IG in service delivery by taking and enforcement of the rule of the services of the Inspectorate law and administrative justice in of Government nearer to the public offices” people and ensuring that the IG recommendations, directives and orders are implemented by Mr. Stephen Kasirye is the head the public officials/institutions. 7

Zero Tolerance to Corruption Student Leaders have a significant role to play in the fight against corruption.

By Denis Amanya

This observation was made by the Director of Regional Offices and Follow- up, Hajji Muzamil Abon while officiating at the opening of a 2-day Seminar for Student Leaders in Universities and Tertiary Institutions held at Mutesa 1 Royal University in Masaka. The seminar took place from 15th to 16th of May 2010 under the theme: “Corruption An Evil We Must All Fight”. Student leaders participating in the students leaders training on their role in the While presenting fight against corruption a paper on “The some of the major challenges as flag-bearers in the fight Role Of The Inspectorate of investigating corruption against corruption by exposing Of Government In The offences. and relentlessly fighting its Fight Against Corruption”, perpetrators without fear or Hajji Muzamil reminded the Earlier the Director of favour. student leaders that the fight Education and Prevention of against corruption should Corruption Mr. J.J. Rwereeza At the end of the Seminar, the be a collective responsibility sounded a clarion call to the Student Leaders unanimously for all especially the youths. student leaders to stand up resolved to propagate the He added that corruption is and be counted as Integrity Anti-Corruption ’gospel’ in embedded in its perpetrators Ambassadors and Anti- their institutions, to sensitize who are intelligent human Corruption Crusaders in their fellow students about the beings capable not only of respective institutions and dangers of corruption’ and ‘to disguising their activities and communities. form Integrity Ambassadors’ covering their tracks but also Clubs in their institutions”, fighting back when cornered. Mr. Rwereeza further among other resolutions. challenged the over 300 The Director cited lack of participants who were drawn In his closing remarks, the cooperation from government from various Universities and Director of Education and officials to expose corruption Tertiary Institutions covered Prevention of Corruption urged for fear of victimization and by the Masaka Regional Office the participants to recruit destruction of information and beyond to be exemplary more members as Crusaders 8 by probable suspects as

A Newsletter of the Inspectorate of Government Zero Tolerance to Corruption against the evil of corruption. He also commissioned the A Plea Against Corruption student participants as Integrity Ambassadors. Corruption, corruption, oh! Corruption. What a deadly disease? The 2-day course content Spreading every where. included; The Anti-Corruption Every body has been eaten up by corruption. Strategy and key players, Corruption here, corruption there. Ugandans? Why rejoice in corruption? Nature, Causes and effects of Corruption, NIS III Findings and Recommendations and Look, The Concept and Role of You and I smile Corruption. Integrity Ambassadors Club, Young and old believe in corruption. to mention but a few. The Home to home – you hear corruption. seminar was facilitated by Town to town – you smell corruption. staff from the Directorate of Country to country, corruption is high Education and Prevention of Why corruption every where? Corruption, Inspectorate of Uganda, our mother nation. Government. Where is our future? When we believe and rejoice in corruption Leading us into temptation A very dip pit, a four cornered pit. No Mr. Corruption have mercy on us, have mercy Quotes on us. 1. “Widespread corruption signals These pretending eyes thinking of help that something has Please have a rest! gone wrong in the relationship between Anything to eat? the state and society. Please sit no where and where for? Those Public service has pretending eyes. been replaced by private greed. Any help? No brother, No sister, Sorry, Travel When corruption is alone and live alone pervasive, everyone Those pretending eyes. suffers – ordinary citizens, the state Rise, wake up now and the private You the youth, Government officials and our sector.” Augustine beloved parents. Ruzindana (Former All bonds of the nation, backwardness will quit Inspector General of Corruption has no mercy, no pity upon the human Government, 1986- race. 1996). Let’s strive together, Take our arms, lift and we beat the foe. 2. “The accomplice to the crime of Let’s work hard, be faithful to ourselves, Corruption is God will help us and corruption will melt away. frequently our own Because, all pass but love, faith and honesty. indifference” (Bess Show love, show faith and honesty Myerson.) Love all for all, But God’s rich and poor, young and old born, and 3. “Corruption is like a unborn ball of snow, once it All but God’s is set rolling, it must Love all for all but God’s increase” (Charles Caleb Colton, English Composed by Shimoni Demonstration School writer, 1780-1832.) 9

Zero Tolerance to Corruption 15. Lack of protection for whistle Factors that Lead to Corruption blowers/Fear to report: In a There have been a number of factors 7. Political Expediency: Politicians system where whistle blowers are advanced as to what promotes who aspire for political office not protected, they will be harassed corruption. However, we can say bribe their way to power, and this by corrupt officials and they will corruption is a result of a combination produces leaders of questionable fear to report future cases. This of factors. These include: character. Ultimately such leaders can only help to increase the vice. will not be concerned to protect the 1. Greed: Greed is without doubt one interests of the people they serve 16. Tax havens: It has been argued of the major causes of corruption, but rather will care more about that when countries tax their especially in the cases of grand offsetting the costs they incurred to own citizens and companies but corruption. People who are well paid get elected. not those from other nations and and even are already wealthy will, refuse to disclose information out of greed, embezzle public funds 8. Poverty: It has been argued that necessary for foreign taxation, it simply because they want more public officials defraud government encourages corruption. and more wealth. For some, the because they are poor and are motivation is borne out of the need trying to find means of survival 17. Lack of knowledge among the to sustain extravagant lifestyles. population: When people do 9. Nepotism: The act of public not know what resources their 2. Poor job incentives: It has been officials favouring family members governments control and how argued that corruption is a result and relatives at the expense of the those resources are used, they will of low incomes that employees in wide public has become a culture. not realise it when the resources the public service earn from their This form of corruption ends up are mismanaged or embezzled. salaries. appearing acceptable – many Ultimately the people will not people end up looking to cater for demand for accountability from 3. Recognition of the rich as heroes the interests of their own and those the leaders. This lack of knowledge by society: There is a tendency close to them. could be because of a government in Uganda to treat rich people as system that is inherently not heroes or celebrities within their 10. Use of cash for government transparent or a deliberate plan local communities and nationally, transactions: This has the by those in government to keep and this goes on without questioning danger of encouraging illegitimate the people in the dark. (For lack of the sources of such wealth. The withdrawals from public coffers knowledge, a people perish!) corrupt, it can be argued, are and demands by public officials of motivated by this, while at the same a cut of payments they make to 18. Lack of a civil society that time it is ironical that the poor (or service providers. monitors the government or where less well-to-do members of the the civil society and private sector society) are either not bothered or 11. Centralised control of are sidelined from participating they are the ones hailing the rich public funds/resources: It is in public decisions or barred from even when public resources have easier to divert resources from a scrutinizing government decisions. been used to the private gain of the large centrally controlled pool and same rich “heroes”. go undetected than from smaller 19. Lack of clear guidelines and decentralised control centres. standards: Any loophole and 4. Low risks vis-a-vis the benefits ambiguities in existing guidelines that come from corruption: It 12. Lack of close supervision: The and standards are exploited by has been observed that corruption proverb says (literally) that frogs public officials to defraud the state. increases when the risks involved climb the walls of the home when are lower compared to the the head of the home goes absent... 20. Financial pressure on politicians: benefits to be gained. Lack of stringent punishment was cited by 13. Long-time work in the same 21. Culture of respondents in the NIS III as one position: This may create of the reasons for prevalence of relationships inside and outside 22. A “get rich quick” culture corruption in Uganda. the government which encourage and help conceal corruption and 23. Lack of laws and institutions to 5. Impunity of the corrupt: When favoritism. Rotating government fight corruption and promote good there are no mechanisms in place officials to different positions and governance to apprehend the corrupt and bring geographical areas may help prevent them to book, corruption abounds; this. 24. Lack of judicial independence. thieves wantonly plunder public resources, even to the extent of 14. Public tolerance of the evil: 25. Bureaucratic and manual systems “”. Quite often the When the public starts to think of work in government corrupt have benefited from high- that corrupt practices such as level protection from prosecution. “small” bribes demanded by, say, 26. Commercialisation of politics, the police or nurses are normal, it with expenses exceeding normal 6. Moral decay: When morals not only encourages but it worsens sources of political funding. disintegrate to an extent that there the practices. In the course of time, is no care for what is right or wrong services that are supposed to be free 27. A windfall from exporting abundant in society, corruption thrives. This will not be provided unless some natural resources may encourage may also come with a culture of “it money is paid. The NIS III noted the corruption. is not my business”. emerging trend of bribes becoming no 10 longer secret but open transactions.

A Newsletter of the Inspectorate of Government Zero Tolerance to Corruption New Regional Offices Opened The demand for more regional offices is also a result of the increase in number of districts as well as increase in funds going down to the local governments. Since decentralization was introduced in 1992, there has been an increase of over 100% of funds released to the Local Governments. The Inspectorate of Government monitors the implementation of funds at the Local Government level and this has been made easier with the opening up of these offices. It is important that District leaders join the Inspectorate in the fight against corruption because it takes joint effort The Ag. Inspector General of Government opening one of the regional offices in the country to achieve a corrupt free environment. In order to improve and take of Government has opened up services of the Inspectorate more Regional Offices. The We are planning to open up of Government closer to the most recently opened one was two new offices one in Kampala public and in accordance in Moyo District. This brings to differentiate it from the with Article 228 of the 1995 the number of Regional Offices Headquarters which are situate Constitution of the Republic to 14. in Kampala and another in of Uganda, the Inspectorate Luwero to cater for the Luwero region.

The newly opened Moyo regional office.

Did you know?

• The Inspectorate of Government has got 14 Regional Offices located in the districts of Fort Portal, Mbarara, Masaka, Hoima, Kabale, Arua, Mbale, Soroti, Gulu, Jinja, Moroto, Lira, Tororo and Moyo. • The most prevalent form of corruption across the whole country is bribery (66%) and this is largely attributed to greed (69%), according to the findings of the 3rd National Integrity Survey 2008. • There is emergency of syndicate corruption in Uganda where a chain of errant officials in different government institutions or at different levels in one institution connive and embezzle public funds. • Corruption has been glorified as an acceptable way of life. Wealthy members of society are regarded as heroes even when they are known to have acquired their wealth through corrupt means. 11

Zero Tolerance to Corruption IGG Planting “Anti Corruption Seeds” The Ag. IGG Mr. Raphael Baku planting a palm tree to generate “Anti Corruption Seeds” at Moyo Multi-Purpose Centre after closing a Regional Leaders’ Sensitisation Worshop. While planting the Symbolic Anti Corruption Seed; the IGG said that he hoped that when it grows, the seeds would spread representing the increased fight against corruption in the country. He called upon the regional leaders to ensure that Uganda is declared a corruption free country sooner than later.

Highlights of the Inspectorate of Government National Integrity Survey 2008

By J J Rwereeza to 69.4% of the respondents). The iv) There has been a shift in the Director Education and Prevention of report noted a number of emerging ‘middle age crisis’ from the previous Corruption issues on the corruption scene as 40-45 years age-group to that of 25- summarised below: 30years. This has resulted from peer Uganda continues to attract negative pressure among the young generation findings from reviews of its corruption i) Corruption has evolved as an who want to live flamboyant lifestyles record. The 2008 Corruption acceptable and coveted way of life. that are more common in the private Perception Index (CPI) compiled People who quickly amass wealth sector. Thus they are encouraged to by Transparency International (TI) through corrupt practices are live beyond their means and they places Uganda in the 126th position glorified while those who uphold engage in acts of corruption in order out of the 180 countries surveyed on principles of integrity and moral to sustain such lifestyles. various good governance indicators values are ridiculed! in the 2008 survey. The country’s v) While Government has put poor performance on the 2008 ii) New forms of corruption have in place institutions and measures CPI is not the first, as Uganda has emerged, with ‘Syndicate Corruption’ to fight corruption, the dilemma perpetually scored below three (out and ‘Management by Crisis’ the most remains weak enforcement of of ten) since 1996 when the country prominent. The former involves existing laws and weak operations of was first included in the survey. networks of strategically placed public the existing institutions. There have officials who connive to embezzle been cases of imbalance between The story of how corruption thrives public funds with impunity, and the political interests and enforcement in Uganda has not only been latter involves deliberate delays in of the fight against corruption, as captured on the international stage planning in order for public officials well as constraints of inadequate but on the local scene as well. to create a crisis and an excuse to cooperation from the general public The Inspectorate of Government, stampede the procurement process. in reporting corrupt practices and which is constitutionally mandated Creation of psychological fear so as standing witness in court against to fight corruption and promote to extort money is also emerging as corruption suspects. good governance in Uganda, has a way in which corrupt officials prey undertaken National Integrity on the public; normally they connive vi) Corruption is increasingly Surveys that have among other with other partners to fabricate getting sustained by nepotism things helped to gauge the incidence felonious charges against a “suspect” through a process described as the of corruption and administrative with the aim of instilling fear which “Corruption-Nepotism nexus”; where injustice in public offices. they exploit to extort bribes. public officials, especially at District level, persistently recruit people only The third National Integrity Survey iii) Demand for, and payment of, from their local areas – irrespective (NIS III) whose report was published bribes are no longer secret or covert of the qualifications of candidates in 2008 established that bribery is but are overt actions. Public officials – with the aim of creating a social the most prevalent form of corruption openly ask for bribes in exchange network that shields their corrupt across the country (according to 66% for services, and clients openly pay practices. of the respondents), and this was without complaining. attributed largely to greed (according

12 Please send your comments and suggestions to: The Secretary P.O. Box 1682 Kampala - Uganda Email: [email protected] Website: www.igg.go.ug A Newsletter of the Inspectorate of Government