ACW – do not miss it!

Political corruption is in focus during this year’s Anti Corruption Week in October

By Karsten Peier, ACCU

Although Anti Corruption Week (ACW) 2004 is still some months away it is not too early to begin planning – on the contrary. MS Uganda encourages her partners to start now.

As usual ACW takes place during the last week of October with activities like debates, processions, workshops, conferences, sports, media campaigns, dance, drama, music etc. all over the country. Anti Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU) has chosen “Political Corruption” as this year’s theme.

The politicians and the civil servants ought to be the guardians and guarantors of democracy and basic human rights. It is their most important and noble task to serve the common good of all citizens.

Bedrock of corruption

Instead politics is the bedrock of corruption in Uganda. Instead politicians and civil servant misuse their position to serve only their own interests, the interests of a small group or the interest of those who can afford to pay bribes.

Numerous experiences and findings from all over the country reveals that at the end of every corrupt scandal there is either a politician or a politically appointed civil servant. And the consequence of their misdeeds is that the economy is ripped and the development of Uganda is stalled. This is at the expense of all her people – not the least the poorest.

In Uganda today, politicians are not voted into office according to their willingness and capacity to promote and protect democracy and work for better living conditions for the population at large. They are elected according to how much sugar, salt, soap, kerosene and money they offer the voters.

Stop whispering

Time has come for Ugandans to stop whispering about corruption committed by their politicians and civil servants. Time has come for Ugandans to reject corrupt leaders e.g. by the power of the vote. This will happen only when more citizens are made aware of the link between their poverty and political corruption.

Therefore, consider how your organisation can address the problems of political corruption within your community and area of operation. In a coming issue of the MS Uganda Newsletter you will find more information about ACW 2004 and the theme. In the meantime you may find inspiration by reading the article “Anti Corruption Week 2003 – what to do and how” on page 14 of the September 2003 issue of our newsletter.