Regional Integrity Forums Inspire Citizens to Lead by Example in the Fight Against Corruption

Recently, in partnership with regional CSOs and the NGO Forum, we organized Regional Integrity Forums in Arua and Gulu City aimed at promoting integrity and accountability. The theme of the forums was “Inspiring Integrity, Leading by Example for a Corruption-Free Society.”

The first convening took place in Arua City, followed by Gulu. Throughout the sessions, both government officials and private citizens made strong calls against corruption.

“I want us all to go out and perform our roles in fighting corruption. As the Office of the President, we are doing some of the difficult jobs. When you arrest a corrupt person, you get a lot of pressure from the relatives to release them,” said Mr. Angupale Swadik Alemi, the Deputy RCC Arua.

One participant, Rwothomiyo from Nebbi, expressed disappointment at Parliament’s role in the fight against corruption.

“My only disappointment is that Parliament has now become a house where people go and trade their ideas for money,” he said.

In Gulu City, Hon. Betty Ocan Aol, Woman MP, highlighted the challenges NGOs face:

“NGOs also have their challenges because of bad laws. One of the bad laws we have is the Public Order Management Bill. Another is the requirement for NGOs to register every year.”

Speaking on behalf of ActionAid International Uganda, David Asubu, the Regional Program Coordinator, emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting integrity.

“Every year ActionAid International Uganda recognizes public servants who have acted with integrity in their respective offices. On paper we say ActionAid, but it is the people you serve who recognize you. Emphasis is put on public servants because they are paid from taxpayers’ money.”

The RCC of Gulu City, Ambrose Onoria, also underscored the consequences of corruption:

“The issues of integrity are easy to pronounce but hard to implement. When you go to the hospitals and schools, you do not find the responsible people who are supposed to be there.”

The forums provided residents and leaders with an opportunity to reflect, voice concerns, and share ideas and solutions in the ongoing fight against corruption.

By Andrew Onapito