MPs block sh2.5bn gov’t request to teach morals on fighting corruption

KAMPALA, UGANDA: Members of Parliament have rejected a Shs2.5 billion request by the directorate of Ethics and Integrity in the office of the Presidency to aid in teaching morals on fighting corruption in the country.

The budget was on Thursday presented before the legislators by Ms. Jessica Ababiku, the Presidential Affairs Committee Chairperson saying it is necessary to finance such efforts if the government is to tackle the ever-increasing corruption vice in the country.

The Parliamentary Budget Committee chaired by Kachumbala county MP, Hon. Patrick Isiagi (Kachumbala) trashed the government proposal citing the move would be a duplication of roles since several leaders, including religious and other entities, have offered the same service without demanding any penny.

West Budama MP, Hon. Fox Odoi in review of the draft report tabled by Ms. Ababiku trashed the government request saying the proposal “is corruption itself.”

“This country doesn’t need any more laws to fight corruption. We have more than enough. This is completely ridiculous. If anybody tells you, they need more money to develop policies, that person is corrupt. This amount of money should be reallocated,” said MP Fox Odoi.

However, in defence of the budget, Ms. Ababiku insisted such messages from religious leaders and anti-corruption crusaders weren’t enough to make a meaningful impact, adding that such funds would also facilitate the rollout of campaigns denouncing the vice across the country.

“This is meant to change the mindset of the young people and their view towards corruption. However, this critical activity is inadequately funded,” Ms Ababiku said, before adding; “For instance, of the Shs3b budgeted for formulation and dissemination of anti-corruption laws, only Shs150 million was allocated.”

MP Odoi however advised that the government should borrow a leaf from churches, mosques and other religious entities that do the same tasks of instilling discipline among Ugandans, without asking for money.

“I have a problem with instilling morals in citizenry, what deliverable is that? I know that the churches, mosques and the pastors on the road side do this at no cost to the taxpayer and they have been doing this for hundreds of years,” he said.

Bugweri Woman MP Rachael Magoola said that supporting such a request is unfounded since parents play the biggest contribution in the process.

“The idea that you can teach morals needs to be scrapped from the budget. Morals are something that are developed at a very early stage. Morals can’t be worn like a jacket. That is a bottomless pit, you can’t train anyone to be morally upright, you develop the character from a young age,” Ms Magoola said.