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The Equal Opportunities Commission conducted a high-level dialogue to unpack Gender and Equity issues in the national budget FY 2024/2025.
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Corruption in Uganda has reached alarming levels due to legislators failing to perform their oversight duties adequately, according to Safia Jjuuko Nalule, chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).
Nalule emphasized that corruption should not be an issue when the constitution empowers Members of Parliament (MPs) to oversee government activities. She highlighted that the government loses significant funds to corruption, which could be prevented if MPs properly monitored government operations.
Some of the High Level members attending the meeting. (EOC Photo)
The latest report by the Inspectorate of Government revealed that Uganda loses about sh9.7 trillion annually to corruption. This loss primarily stems from non-declaration and under-declaration of taxes, employees being paid without working, inflated payrolls, and flawed procurement processes. “In past years, we lost money to gender and disability exclusion, but now, with efforts to close those gaps, we are losing money to corruption. I believe we can defeat this vice and ensure economic growth,” Nalule stated. Nalule made these remarks while presiding over a high-level dialogue on gender equity issues in the national budget at the EOC head office in Kampala.
Nalule stressed that MPs should fulfill their responsibilities to fight corruption effectively. She urged leaders to be good stewards and honest in their service, stating that significant progress towards development can only be made if corrupt practices are minimized.
“When entrusted with public offices, you become a parent and servant who should not misuse public resources. Corruption indicates that you cannot be trusted with anything,” Nalule said.
Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Opendi agreed with Nalule, noting that some MPs are indifferent to government activities. Opendi added that the mindset of some leaders focused on wealth accumulation contributes to corruption. “When you are paid but do not show up for work, it means you are being dishonest. This is also corruption,” Opendi observed.
She argued that ministries and government agencies need close supervision, especially regarding performance timelines and task completion, to ensure intended work is executed.
James Kakooza said that the budget is difficult for many people, including MPs, to understand
(EOC Photo)
James Kakooza, the former minister of state in charge of primary health care, stressed the importance of raising awareness about national budgeting processes to ensure public participation and follow-up, which will limit corruption. He noted that the budget is difficult for many people, including MPs, to understand, providing an opportunity for the corrupt to steal public funds.
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