Uganda stands at a defining moment in its journey toward socio-economic transformation and sustainable development. Across the country, government institutions, public servants, community leaders, and ordinary citizens are demonstrating an increasing commitment to accountability, transparency, and service delivery.
This renewed momentum follows a directive by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, General (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, to eliminate corruption and awaken Ugandans to the national goal of socio-economic transformation. Commencing his current term of office, he emphasized a clear, uncompromising agenda: “Kisanja: No More Corruption, No More Sleeping.”
This theme is a national call to action. It challenges every Ugandan—regardless of political affiliation, religion, tribe, or social status—to build a country where public resources truly serve the people.
For years, Uganda has allocated substantial resources to development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, creating jobs, expanding infrastructure, and reducing poverty. However, corruption has frequently undermined these investments. Funds intended for roads, healthcare, schools, and community empowerment have often fallen short due to mismanagement, extortion, and abuse of office.
A key example is the Parish Development Model (PDM), a flagship government initiative designed to lift households out of poverty. While the programme holds immense potential, some implementers have engaged in bribery and extortion, demanding money from beneficiaries before providing services. Such actions betray public trust and deny vulnerable citizens their rightful benefits.
Fortunately, Uganda’s fight against corruption has gained fresh momentum. Increased vigilance is evident across all sectors: public officials are more conscious of their duties, and communities are actively exposing wrongdoing and demanding accountability.
Ongoing monitoring and inspection tours spearheaded by Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister for Local Government, have energized accountability structures within local governments. These efforts have bolstered the work of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), political leaders, and technical officers. The message is reaching every administrative level—from parish chiefs and sub-county officials to city and district accounting officers—that public office is a position of service, not personal enrichment.
Corruption also manifests in daily interactions. Job seekers, particularly fresh graduates, are frequently asked to pay millions of shillings in exchange for employment. Citizens must reject this exploitation and report corruption whenever it occurs, supported by institutions that protect whistleblowers.
Churches, mosques, and cultural institutions are vital for shaping public values. When religious leaders, cultural icons, and government officials speak with one voice, society becomes far less tolerant of unethical conduct.
The fight against corruption directly impacts basic service delivery. Eliminating corruption ensures resources can be redirected toward recruiting health workers, upgrading road networks, and removing inflated school enrollment figures (“ghost learners”) from the education system. Every shilling saved becomes a resource for development.
This anti-corruption campaign receives strong support from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), whose commitment to national service reinforces efforts to safeguard public funds. Likewise, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, the Minister for the Presidency, continues to provide crucial guidance to RCCs and RDCs to ensure effective representation of the President and transparent service delivery across all deployments.
Ultimately, success depends on collective responsibility:
* Citizens must refuse to pay bribes and report extortion.
* Public Servants must uphold strict professional ethics.
* Religious & Cultural Leaders must continuously sensitize communities.
* Political Leaders must remain committed to transparent governance.
If Uganda sustains this current momentum, the promise of “Kisanja: No More Corruption, No More Sleeping” will become reality. Achieving this vision begins with a collective determination to reject the belief that corruption is inevitable and support all those standing up for integrity.
For God and My Country.
The Author:
Kyomya James
Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Soroti City West Division
Email: kyomyajames@gmail.com
Tel: +256 787 517859
The post KYOMYA JAMES: Why Accountability Is Uganda’s Greatest Opportunity for Socio-Economic Transformation appeared first on Watchdog Uganda.