In a growing cause for concern, anti-corruption crusaders are raising alarms over the increasing entitlements among public servants in the form of service awards and honorariums.
This trend, which has gained momentum in public offices, has caught the attention of many who fear its impact on corruption.
Marlon Agaba, the Executive Director of Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda, directs blame towards parliament for approving multiple loans that ultimately find their way into these service awards.
Agaba argues that if parliament continues to accept loans without thorough scrutiny for various government projects, the country’s debt and non-performing loans will skyrocket, posing a significant threat to financial stability.
Scrutinizing loans for government projects
From the infamous “presidential handshake” to service awards and now honorariums, anti-corruption crusaders are left wondering about the future of Uganda’s financial position if this trend persists. They strongly criticize parliament for repeatedly accepting loans without proper examination, calling for more stringent oversight.
Even though Robert Mukiza, the Director General of Uganda Investment Authority, has agreed to refund the payments, anti-corruption activists stress the importance of the Inspector General of Government scrutinizing the growing appetite for loans among government bodies.
They urge the IGG to track these loans meticulously and monitor the progress of the associated projects. Failure to do so, they argue, will only exacerbate the existing problem.
Corporate governance and regulations
Senior Economist Dr. Fred Muhumuza attributes this concerning trend to a decline in corporate governance procedures and a lack of strict regulations within key government offices. He believes that without robust governance and regulations, such entitlements will continue to thrive.
The anti-corruption crusaders advocate for a different approach, suggesting that rather than rewarding officials with service awards, efforts should instead focus on holding them accountable for their actions. They emphasize the need to cultivate a culture of integrity and transparency within government institutions.
By actively discouraging the practice of giving awards to officials, they hope to create a more ethical and accountable public service in Uganda.
This shift in focus towards accountability over accolades is seen as a crucial step in combating corruption and promoting a brighter future for the nation.