Uganda was among the most corrupt countries globally in 2017, an index published by Transparency International, indicates.
In the survey, the internationally recognized Non-governmental Organization ranks Uganda, also known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, as the 151st on the list of the top corrupt 180 countries.
Corruption is a common vice in Uganda especially among officials in government ministries, agencies and parastatals, and previously Uganda has been ranked 25th in 2016, 25th in 2015, 26th in 2013 and 29th in 2012, according to Transparency International’s index.
And much as there is an Inspectorate of Government (IGG) mandated with combating corruption, the vice keeps biting deep and recent reports by the World Bank estimate that the country loses US$500m per year in corruption related deals.
As result, many commissions have been put in place by President Museveni to investigate matters of corruption, the latest being the probe committee into land matters headed by Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemeire.
It should be noted at times donors have had to cut or completely withdraw aid to Uganda as a result of corruption.
Some years back there was a remarkable cut of financial aid to Uganda as a result of the Global Fund scandal where funds meant for the treatment of Malaria, Aids and Tuberculosis were reportedly diverted to private use.
Also, currently four senior officials in the Prime Minister’s office have been indicted over the manner in which they handled refugee aid, with claims that they inflated numbers to attract more funding, part of which they also reportedly diverted for personal benefit.
