Uganda stands at a defining moment in its journey toward socio-economic transformation and sustainable development.
Across the country, there is growing evidence that government institutions, public servants, community leaders, and ordinary citizens are becoming increasingly committed to accountability, transparency, and service delivery.
This renewed momentum is a result of the directive by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, General (Rtd.) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, to eliminate corruption and awaken Ugandans towards the country’s target of socio-economic transformation.
During the commencement of his current term of office, he emphasized a clear and uncompromising agenda: “Kisanja: No More Corruption, No More Sleeping.”
This theme is not merely a political slogan. It is a national call to action, challenging every Ugandan, regardless of political affiliation, religion, tribe, or social status, to participate in building a country where public resources serve the people for whom they are intended.
For many years, Uganda has allocated substantial resources to support development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, creating jobs, expanding infrastructure, and reducing poverty. However, corruption has often undermined the impact of these investments.
Funds intended for roads, health facilities, schools, and community empowerment programmes have sometimes failed to achieve their intended objectives because of mismanagement, extortion, and abuse of office.
One of the most affected programmes has been the Parish Development Model (PDM), a flagship government initiative designed to lift households out of poverty. While the programme has great potential, some individuals entrusted with its implementation have reportedly engaged in acts of bribery and extortion, demanding money from beneficiaries before services can be accessed. Such actions not only betray public trust but also deny vulnerable citizens the opportunity to benefit from government interventions.
The encouraging development today is that Uganda’s fight against corruption has gained new momentum.
The country is witnessing increased vigilance among leaders and citizens alike. Public officials are becoming more conscious of their responsibilities, while communities are increasingly willing to expose wrongdoing and demand accountability.
The ongoing monitoring and inspection tours spearheaded by Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister for Local Government, have energized accountability structures across local governments.
These efforts have strengthened the work of Resident District Commissioners, Resident City Commissioners, political leaders, and technical officers who are responsible for ensuring that government programmes are properly implemented.
The message is now reaching every level of administration, from parish chiefs and sub-county officials to city and district authorities and accounting officers.
Increasingly, leaders are being reminded that public office is a position of trust and service, not an opportunity for personal enrichment.
Corruption, however, is not limited to the misuse of government funds. It also manifests in everyday interactions between citizens and service providers.
Cases have been reported where job seekers are asked to pay millions of shillings in exchange for employment opportunities. Fresh graduates, already struggling to secure work, are often subjected to exploitation by individuals seeking illegal financial gain, and this practice must be rejected by all Ugandans.
Citizens should be encouraged to report corruption whenever it occurs, while institutions must ensure that whistle-blowers are protected and supported because fighting corruption requires courage from both leaders and ordinary citizens.
Churches, mosques, and cultural institutions remain some of the most influential platforms for shaping public values.
Messages promoting honesty, integrity, and accountability should become part of everyday community engagement. Religious and cultural leaders also have a crucial role to play because when religious leaders, cultural leaders, and government officials speak with one voice against corruption, society becomes less tolerant of unethical conduct.
The fight against corruption is also closely linked to improved service delivery. In many health facilities, communities continue to face challenges arising from inadequate staffing and limited resources. In some areas, poor road networks persist despite substantial government funding for maintenance and construction.
Similarly, cases of inflated school enrolment figures and ghost learners have deprived the education sector of much-needed efficiency and accountability.
When corruption is eliminated, resources can be redirected towards recruiting more health workers, improving roads, strengthening schools, and expanding opportunities for vulnerable communities, given that every shilling saved from corruption becomes a resource available for development. This is what His Excellency the President has been preaching to the public on a daily basis.
The anti-corruption campaign has also received strong support from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). His commitment to accountability and national service has reinforced ongoing efforts to ensure that public resources are protected and utilized effectively. His efforts have been interpreted as a timely blessing to the country, Uganda.
Likewise, the contributions of Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, the Minister for the Presidency, who has worked tirelessly to provide adequate and necessary guidance and support to Resident City Commissioners and Resident District Commissioners, continue to strengthen government efforts aimed at promoting transparency and effective service delivery across the country so that they can best represent His Excellency the President within their respective areas of deployment.
The success of this campaign will ultimately depend on collective responsibility. The government alone cannot eliminate corruption.
Citizens must refuse to offer bribes. Public servants must uphold professional ethics. Religious and cultural leaders must continue sensitizing communities, and political leaders must remain committed to accountability.
If Uganda sustains the current momentum, the country will move closer to realizing the vision of genuine socio-economic transformation.
The promise of “Kisanja: No More Corruption, No More Sleeping” can become a reality if all stakeholders remain vigilant and committed to the common good.
The Uganda we desire is possible—a Uganda where public resources serve the people, where integrity guides leadership, and where development reaches every community.
Achieving that vision begins with our collective determination to reject corruption and embrace accountability at every level of society.
We must support those who stand up for the noble cause of fighting corruption instead of demoralizing them. We must change our mindset and reject the belief that corruption is inevitable.
For God and My Country
The Author:
Kyomya James
Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Soroti City West Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +256 787 517 859
