AAIU, Activists Launch Uganda Parliament Exhibition Report
A call for Action in the Fight Against Corruption
By Andrew Onapito
ActionAid International joined Agora Discourse and Evidence and Methods lab to launch the Uganda Parliament Exhibition report on 11 June. The report is a comprehensive account of the campaign against corruption in parliament which was by run by citizens on Twitter and spearheaded by Agora Discourse.
ActionAid International joined Agora Discourse and Evidence and Methods lab to launch the Uganda Parliament Exhibition report on 11 June. The report is a comprehensive account of the campaign against corruption in parliament which was by run by citizens on Twitter and spearheaded by Agora Discourse.
During the launch, the Executive Director of Evidence and Methods lab, Micheal Katagaya, noted that, “the report, developed in partnership with ActionAid international Uganda and Agora Discourse is a testament to transparency and accountability.
The emerging issues from the parliament exhibition were Corruption & Public Outrage; Demand for Accountability and Transparency; Demand for Institutional Reforms; -Critique of Leadership; Financial Management; Skepticism of Political Parties and Nepotism.
The Public relations officer of the Inspectorate of government faced a spirited backlash from activists at the event, who highlighted the ineffectiveness of the IG in handling corruption cases. They also questioned the commitment and ability of the IG to provide witness protection for whistle blowers.
One of the lead architects of the campaign that exposed corruption at parliament, Agathar Atuhaire, highlighted the challenges she has faced in the fight against corruption. She said, “When the president comes and defends the corrupt and says those of us exposing corruption should be crushed, he is unleashing a mob on us,”
The Keynote speaker of the day, Xavier Ejoyi, AAIU’s Country Director, reiterated AAIU’s commitment to promoting social justice and working with social movements, activists, people’s organizations, and their supporters.
He called on citizens to stand up against corruption citing apathy among the citizenry as a major loophole in the fight against corruption.
“Citizens should reclaim their space in the governance of the country, especially in fighting corruption which is now an existential threat to our generation, our future, and our democracy,” said Xavier Ejoyi.
The event ended with the launch of the report.
