18/05/2021
The Public does not think individual action can reduce corruption!
Chapter (3), clause (1), paragraph(i) of the 1995 Uganda constitution emphasizes, “it is the duty of every citizen to combat corruption and misuse or wastage of public property”. Yes! We can. Not because it is our duty but because we are true and proud
Ugandans who love it and want it better. Growing up in a corrupt society, it has been unfortunate to witness that many Ugandans think that one man’s effort has no impact when it comes to the eradication of corruption.
As a result, the public has become so tolerant of corruption that they are relaxed waiting for the big officials in government to combat corruption. This is very wrong because these officials seem not ready and willing to fight this vice. Therefore, it comes back to
the public, to me and you. Knowing that the leading cause of corruption is moral decay, it is also very true that the best solution to this evil act is moral uprightness, which is not institutional but rather personal.
Do you think that if every single person decides not to engage in corruption, would it reduce? Of course yes, it would. When we decide to stay away from corruption on a personal basis, we become the few white hens among the many black hens and
therefore easily spotted out. We create a very big change because others look up to us. “A corruption-free Uganda begins with me”. Every Ugandan ought to have such a mindset.
Let us look at the example of village SACCOS, every single coin counts and when they are accumulated, millions of money are collected. Let every single Ugandan be the coin because, from the single person, many will rise. For every big project, there is always a
single mind behind it. Just as it is said “behind a wise man, there is a powerful woman”, you and I ought to be the powerful women behind a corruption-free Uganda. Men and women who are ready to change our history for the better.
“We can do it”, Nelson Mandela always said. When Nelson Mandela changed his mind and decided to fight for the blacks, many South Africans followed and the countries around South Africa. So, let us be the nationalistic and patriotic Nelson Mandelas who are more than willing to change our mindset and morals to eradicate corruption which is eating us up.
If Uganda is to develop, then there should be someone among us to stand their ground and make the decision of saying “NO” to corruption.” A corruption-free Uganda begins with me”.
I remain Nabwire Gorrety Maria aged 17 years in Senior Three at The Amazima School.
Anti Corruption Unit - State House Uganda Anti Corruption Coalition Uganda - ACCU Transparency International PPDA Uganda Igg Uganda Inspectorate Of Government GIZ Uganda
