Why Uganda’s Opposition and civil society struggle to fight corruption

By Denis Muteguya

Corruption in Uganda, much like in many other nations, is a deeply entrenched vice that transcends ordinary theft. Unlike the straightforward pursuit of a common thief, the battle against corruption demands an extraordinary degree of integrity, impartiality, and a willingness to confront systemic issues that benefit a select few.

The common adage, “It takes a thief to catch a thief,” implies a certain familiarity with criminal behaviour that might be necessary to apprehend wrongdoers. However, when applied to the complex and pervasive issue of corruption, this adage falls woefully short.

Corruption is a multifaceted problem that involves the misuse of public power for private gain. It pervades various sectors of society and government, often facilitated by a network of individuals who benefit from maintaining the status quo.

Unlike ordinary theft, which can be addressed through direct and visible actions such as policing and prosecution, corruption is more insidious. It requires uncovering hidden relationships, dismantling power structures, and addressing the socio-economic conditions that enable corrupt practices.

In democratic societies, opposition parties and civil society organizations are often seen as key players in promoting accountability and transparency. They are expected to challenge government malfeasance and advocate for reforms. However, in Uganda, the effectiveness of these groups in fighting corruption is compromised by a fundamental paradox: they, too, are beneficiaries of the corrupt system they seek to reform.

The idea that opposition and civil society leaders are beneficiaries of corruption might seem counterintuitive at first. However, in a deeply entrenched system, everyone operating within it becomes part of a delicate balance of power and resources. Opposition leaders, while vocally critical of government corruption, may benefit indirectly through political patronage, access to illicit funds, or by being part of a broader network that perpetuates corruption.

Similarly, civil society organizations, which rely on funding and support from various sources, may find themselves compromised if their benefactors are part of the corrupt elite. The implication of this reality is profound. It means that the fight against corruption cannot rely solely on the voices and actions of those within the existing power structures.

While opposition and civil society play crucial roles in raising awareness and mobilizing public opinion, their capacity to effect change is limited by their entanglement in the very system they critique. Philosophically, demonstrations against corruption act as a clarion call, awakening the masses to the vice’s presence.

However, these public outcries often fail to dismantle the true architectures of corruption. The real beneficiaries, those who orchestrate and perpetuate corrupt practices, remain shrouded in the shadows. These hidden architects manipulate the levers of power and resources from behind the scenes, ensuring that superficial changes occur without threatening their hold on the system.

Demonstrations, while vital for raising awareness and fostering public discourse, rarely penetrate the opaque networks that sustain high-level corruption. Thus, the challenge is not only to expose corruption but to illuminate and dismantle the hidden structures that allow it to flourish.

To effectively combat corruption, Uganda must look beyond the conventional actors and embrace a more holistic approach. This involves empowering independent institutions that operate independently of political influence, such as the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and audit offices. These institutions must be given the autonomy, resources, and protection to pursue corruption cases without fear of retribution.

Encouraging and protecting whistleblowers who expose corrupt practices is also crucial. Whistleblower protection laws need to be robust and enforced to ensure that individuals who come forward are not victimized.

Mobilizing ordinary citizens to become active participants in the fight against corruption is essential. Public education campaigns can raise awareness about the costs of corruption and the importance of integrity in public life. Leveraging international partnerships and support to combat corruption is another important strategy. This includes working with foreign governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to trace and recover illicit funds, and to hold corrupt officials accountable. Cultivating a culture of ethical leadership across all levels of society involves education, mentorship, and the promotion of values that prioritize public service over personal gain.

The fight against corruption in Uganda requires more than just opposition rhetoric and civil society activism. It demands a fundamental shift in how power and resources are managed and a concerted effort to dismantle the networks that perpetuate corrupt practices.

By recognizing the limitations of current actors and adopting a comprehensive strategy that includes independent institutions, public engagement, and international cooperation, Uganda can make meaningful progress in its battle against this pervasive vice.

The writer is a socio-political analyst and commentator!