By Jumah Kakomo
Following President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s State of the Nation Address at Kololo Independence Grounds, corruption emerged as a central issue, drawing sharp criticism from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). The President highlighted rampant corruption involving high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Finance, various ministry accounting officers, and members of parliamentary committees. He proposed tough measures against corruption, rejecting the notion of granting amnesty to offenders.
UPC, represented by spokesperson Arach Oyat Sharon, condemned the government’s handling of corruption, attributing the persistence of the issue to a lack of political will and protection of corrupt officials. Sharon emphasized that corruption severely damages Uganda’s reputation, hinders service delivery, and undermines efforts to implement crucial social welfare programs aimed at poverty alleviation.
“In our view, corruption is a cancer that must be vigorously fought using all legal means,” stated Sharon. UPC pointed out recent arrests of Members of Parliament accused of corruption, including Hon. Akamba Paul, Hon. Namujju Cissy, and Hon. Mutembuli Yusuf, urging expedited judicial processes while ensuring adherence to legal procedures.
The UPC spokesperson criticized the controversial arrest of Hon. Akamba Paul, citing excessive use of force and disregard for judicial independence. “It is regrettable that such incidents occur even 62 years after Independence,” Sharon lamented, urging lawful handling of all offenders.
Meanwhile, amidst the corruption outcry, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) launched a major operation in the Lubiji wetland area of Wakiso District. The operation aimed to clear illegal human settlements, which had encroached upon the wetland, disrupting the natural ecosystem.
“While we agree that illegal settlements must be addressed, the manner in which it was done leaves many in disarray,” noted UPC’s head of media and communications Faizo Muzeyi.
Muzeyi Faizo highlighted concerns over inadequate resettlement plans and compensation for affected residents. UPC called for fair enforcement of environmental laws and urged proper facilitation of Uganda Police’s Environment Unit to monitor and protect all wetlands effectively, including the notorious Namanve area.
UPC reiterated its commitment to combating corruption and promoting integrity in governance, urging the government to prioritize accountability and responsible management of taxpayer funds for the benefit of all Ugandans.
