President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to government officials involved in corruption, declaring that the fight against graft has intensified and there will be no tolerance for such behaviour.
Museveni emphasized that the battle against corruption is now fierce, and anyone caught engaging in corrupt activities will face severe consequences.
He expressed his frustration, noting that his patience has worn thin and that going forward, any government official found guilty of corruption will face the full force of the law as a deterrent to others.
“I have declared war on corruption; make sure you are not in my line of fire. We cannot continue to disappoint our people,” Museveni stated firmly.
The President acknowledged that corruption is widespread across the country, with local governments being particularly problematic.
He noted that when he came to power in 1986, he expected local government offices to serve as effective links between the central government and citizens.
However, some individuals in these offices have become part of the problem.
“Recently, during Heroes’ Day celebrations, we should have been focusing on saving and developing our country, but instead, corrupt individuals are diverting funds. The Inspector General of Government (IGG) estimates that Shs10 trillion is being misappropriated. Imagine what we could achieve with that money; we could pave all our roads. So, wherever you are, do not tolerate corruption,” he urged.
Allegations of corruption are rampant in Parliament, with at least five legislators facing charges and others under investigation. This crackdown follows Museveni’s vow to eliminate corruption.
During the State of the Nation address on June 6, Museveni revealed evidence of a corruption racket involving officials in the finance ministry and Parliament.
He reiterated this warning at the launch of the 3rd Voluntary National Review Report and Local Government Management of Service Delivery Report 2023 at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Kampala.
The event was part of the third Uganda Sustainable Development Goals conference, attended by local government leaders and stakeholders, including UN resident representative Susan Namondo.
The Voluntary National Review report highlights Uganda’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while the Local Government Management of Service Delivery report assesses local governments’ effectiveness in service delivery.
Isingiro district emerged as the top performer in providing services to citizens. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja hosted the event.
Environment
At the event, Museveni also addressed the issue of encroachment on wetlands. He warned those who have built-in protected areas, including wetlands, to vacate immediately.
He criticized those who support encroachers and undermine the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), calling them the real enemies.
Museveni recently signed an executive order against encroachment, mandating the eviction of those occupying protected areas.
He urged these individuals to leave voluntarily before facing legal action, offering leniency only to residents in Busoga, Bukedi, and Kabale, who were historically misled by colonialists to use wetlands for rice cultivation.
“People like Joel Senyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, ask, ‘Where was NEMA when these people were building?’ But can’t you see a swamp? Who doesn’t know what a swamp is? Why should you wait for NEMA to stop you as if you are not aware?” Museveni questioned.
He called on NEMA to work with parish chiefs and local governments to support environmental protection. Museveni emphasized the importance of wetlands in agriculture and water conservation, noting that 49% of Uganda’s rain is generated from wetlands.
He also highlighted wetlands’ role in filtering runoff water before it reaches lakes and rivers, preventing silting.
“Even if NEMA is slow, we should not give up,” he said, directing NEMA to ease its clampdown in areas where people agree to leave voluntarily. “Protecting the environment is a matter of life and death for Uganda.”
Museveni pledged to collaborate with neighbouring countries sharing water bodies to devise measures to protect them, citing the heavily silted River Kagera, which flows into Lake Victoria.
The President commended Nabbanja for preparing Uganda for the upcoming UN high-level meeting on SDGs in New York in July, expressing satisfaction with the video presentation showcasing Uganda’s progress on SDGs.
Uganda will be among 38 countries presenting an in-depth analysis of their progress during the New York event, with Nabbanja leading the delegation.
However, Museveni noted the need for additional data on Uganda’s industrialization and its role in addressing challenges like hunger and poverty for the SDG presentation.
He emphasized that improving socioeconomic conditions is key to successful SDG implementation, as demonstrated by Western countries.
The Parish Development Model (PDM)
During the event, Nabbanja raised several issues, including local governments’ request for a temporary lift on the hiring ban and increased pay for clerks and local councils. Local government leaders also sought Shs30 billion for monitoring government programs and requested a meeting with the President.
Museveni granted the meeting but did not address the other requests.
Local government minister Raphael Magyezi announced that, starting next week, 10,594 parishes in Uganda will receive an additional Shs50 million under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
This funding will expand access beyond the current 1.1 million households, with a focus on the coffee value chain, piggery, and dairy farming. Magyezi stated that the goal is to have 39% of Ugandans, or 3.5 million households, benefit from PDM funds.
