‘Corruption, Corruption, Corruption!’ that was a poem I wrote in primary seven. Years, later I am still writing about corruption in Uganda. Has this become part of our culture? Is this the Ugandan way?
Prior to the international corruption Day on 9th December 2019, A walk against corruption was organized with several politicians, citizens and the president himself, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni taking part. The walk was praised by some, yet shunned by another group of Ugandans. Jacob Oulanya, the Deputy Speaker-Uganda Parliament described the walk as a show he was obligated to attend and later things will go back the way they are. Is this true, or was the walk an inaugural sensitization forum towards the fight against corruption. ( I am going to use this word a lot, corruption) The ‘Anti-Corruption Walk lasted a few hours, from the Kampala City square to Kololo airstrip. Important people of this country were asking the Question; how can Uganda eradicate this cancerous disease?
I think, we don’t ask the right questions.
Like in a relationship, first you meet – Like each other – Mate and then acquire labels of ‘girlfriend or boyfriend’. This is when things start getting serious.. and then you starting being inquisitive. Like the cat killed by curiosity, there is information you now need to know. Does he have a secret job of hunting rabbits? Do they know that I eat 4 kilo grams of meat a week? What is their past? Does she have a job? and what does the future hold for us?
At times, these questions are answered and most times they’re tucked under the pillow and forgotten about. In my tribe, there is a saying that ‘there is magic in beginnings’. A Hope of an exciting tomorrow (until tomorrow is a let down). So often, we recline in the new normal and sail on for years without asking the questions that matter. Questions that might shape our communities and mold a better future.
Anti-corruption WalkSpider-man was told by his uncle, ‘with great power comes great responsibility’. This I find true, though most leaders I have been accustomed to have a different motto – ‘With great Power comes greater Power’. From a village chairman to a member of parliament, these are political heads voted into their positions by the people (that is if Democracy is indeed in play). Promises are made in form of glittery manifestos and martyr like personalities that create a facade of selfless individuals committed to save the common citizen from poverty and deliver them to the promised land of prosperity for all!
The sad truth is that most of these Leaders are ‘corrupt’. Caring for not the country and their subjects but individual goals and self-satisfaction. One of the magician trick these leaders have mastered is, hiding information from the public. Of course there is sensitive information to do with security and other administrative aspects but the information to hold them accountable? That is as scarce as a sewing needle in a rich man’s house.
So due to this fact, the Uganda low strata citizen is unable and ill equipped to ask the right questions? For example, every financial year, a budget is read and tax payer’s money is allocated to different sections but, the next year, another budget is read but there is no accountability given for the last.
So as we ask the question, how do we eradicate poverty? The other question to ask is, how can we get accountability?..and then maybe, corruption can be gradually swept out of our beautiful home Uganda.
Edris Matu 