Uganda’s Inspector General of Government (IGG), Betty Kamya, has issued a bold challenge to the public, urging them to take responsibility for their role in perpetuating corruption. Speaking at a recent anti-corruption event, Kamya pointed out that while government officials often bear the brunt of blame for graft, the general population has failed to acknowledge its complicity.
“We glorify corruption—that’s the problem,” Kamya remarked. “But the bigger issue is the mindset of the people. You’re talking as if they are innocent, but they condone, accommodate, and even promote corruption. That’s where we need to start.”
Corruption’s Root in Public Mindsets
Kamya emphasized that the public’s failure to report known or suspected corruption makes them accomplices.
“If you see corruption happening and do nothing about it, you are compliant. You are a promoter, as guilty as the person who took the money,” she said, underscoring the need for collective responsibility.
To combat corruption effectively, Kamya called for a nationwide reorientation of attitudes.
“We need a total shift from condoning corruption to demonizing it,” she said, urging civil society, leaders, and citizens alike to join forces in fostering accountability.
The IGG’s remarks come as Uganda commemorates International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9th. This year’s theme, Effective Mobilization of Youth to Fight Corruption, aligns with Uganda’s youthful population, which bears the heaviest burden of corruption’s impacts.
In a bid to enhance accountability, Uganda is implementing a four-year anti-corruption initiative supported by USAID and partners such as Transparency International Uganda (TIU) and the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG). The initiative, which targets ten cities including Jinja, Gulu, and Mbarara, aims to strengthen revenue mobilization, improve service delivery, and support citizens in demanding accountability.
USAID Mission Director Danielle Nyirandutiye explained,
“Our programming will support accountability institutions like the Inspectorate of Government, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA), and the Auditor General. These partnerships aim to improve governance and reduce corruption through inclusive, community-driven approaches.”
Stakeholders highlighted the importance of involving citizens in decision-making and building robust systems to ensure transparency. CSBAG’s Julius Mukunda emphasized the role of partnerships in strengthening procurement systems and ensuring budget accountability.
“When government, civil society, and citizens work together, everyone takes responsibility for the outcomes,” Mukunda said.
However, shifting public attitudes remains critical. Town clerks like Jinja’s Andrew Lwanga highlighted the public’s preference for cash payments as an example of ingrained corrupt practices. “They think paying cash gives them room to bargain,” Lwanga noted, stressing the need for education on the benefits of transparency.
A Call for Unity in Accountability
Barbara Anyyango Wabwire, a Citizen Accountability Champion from Masindi, reiterated the importance of aligning citizens and duty-bearers in the anti-corruption fight.
“People get stuck when they report corruption because they don’t know where to turn next. We need everyone—leaders and citizens—on the same page,” she said.
As Uganda continues its battle against corruption, Kamya’s words serve as a reminder that sustainable change requires collective effort. For the IGG, the path forward starts with a mindset transformation—one that rejects corruption in all its forms and empowers citizens to hold leaders accountable.
“Corruption affects everyone, and so the responsibility to fight it lies with everyone,” Kamya concluded.
