NCJ Number
201053
Journal
Forum on Crime and Society Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 119-133
Date Published
December 2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how the Uganda Government overcame historical corruption within its ranks.
Abstract
According to the author, Uganda has experienced deep-rooted problems with corrupt government officials, particularly during the 1970’s and 1980’s. However, its current administration, run by the National Resistance Movement, is seeking to rid itself of corruption. The Office of the Inspector General of Government was created as part of the reform process. A Leadership Code of Conduct was adopted in 1992, which requires leaders to publicly declare their wealth and forbids corrupt practices, including influence-peddling and the private use of public information. In 1993, the Inspector General of Government requested that a national integrity workshop be facilitated by a donor. A four-way partnership was established between the Office of the Inspector General of Government, international aid communities, Transparency International (a Berlin-based organization focused on combating corruption), and the Uganda chapter of Transparency International. The national integrity workshop was co-sponsored by all groups and was held in 1994. The author outlines the identified needs and community strategies undertaken to rid the country of corruption. After 5 years of work battling political corruption, Uganda leaders have learned that the problem of corruption in their country was underestimated. Although the leaders are seeking to change the situation, many of the local and international stakeholders are unwilling to accept responsibility for the current level of corruption and are resisting efforts toward change. However, change is happening within Uganda, with positive possibilities for the future. An integrated approach to rooting out corruption has been adopted, which includes instituting greater accountability among civil servants and increased public knowledge of governmental business. References