By KT Reporter
The Karamoja regional office of the Inspectorate of Government (IG) has challenged civil society organizations (CSOs) in the sub-region to take collective responsibility in the fight against corruption. The call was made during the Karamoja Regional PACER Partners’ Synergy Building Meeting held in Moroto District.
The meeting convened officials from nine districts across the region, aiming to strengthen coordination, promote knowledge sharing, and align strategies among PACER partners. The anti-corruption watchdog expressed concern that while human rights issues receive significant attention, corruption, described as a deeply rooted and dangerous vice, remains under-addressed.
Bernard Oite, from the IG’s Moroto Regional Office, revealed that Uganda loses approximately UGX 10 billion annually to corruption. He emphasized that the concept of synergy among stakeholders is more critical than ever to tackle both corruption and administrative shortcomings.
“No single institution has the capacity to fight corruption alone. This is why the IG has brought the message to the people, urging citizens to take ownership of the fight against corruption,” Oite said. He noted that the Inspectorate is working to strengthen its institutional capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and create a platform for partners to collaborate effectively.
Oite also underscored the importance of capacity-building in areas such as asset recovery, investigations, and prosecution of corruption cases. As part of the efforts to raise awareness, the IG is conducting public sensitization campaigns through various media and communication channels, focusing on the dangers of corruption and the importance of good governance.
Oite further urged CSOs to prioritize anti-corruption activities and help increase public understanding of the harm caused by the vice. He acknowledged that although Parliament provides the legal framework, the IG often relies on development partners to supplement government funding.
Alfred Oryem, Programs Officer at the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), introduced a new initiative dubbed “Media Support for Public Accountability and Civic Engagement (M-Space)”. The project aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and accountable media that enhances civic participation in governance.
“A free and independent media is key to upholding democracy. We need a media that focuses on facts, not rumor mongering,” Oryem stressed. He called on partners to support investigative journalism and engage meaningfully with media efforts to hold authorities accountable and promote civic engagement.
Richard Omoding, Executive Director of RIAMRIAM Civil Society Network, expressed readiness among CSOs in Karamoja to tackle corruption collectively. He noted that a WhatsApp group has already been established for coordination and information sharing under the PACER initiative.
However, CSOs raised concerns about delays by the Electoral Commission (EC) in accrediting organizations to carry out civic engagement ahead of the upcoming elections. They criticized the lack of clarity in registration processes, which is causing anxiety and hindering their readiness.
Rebecca Kabagimu, from Defend Defenders, highlighted the shrinking civic space and growing constraints on freedom of expression, association, and assembly. “Increased self-censorship and arrests of civic actors are worrying. There are even speculations that voter education has been taken over by security agencies,” she said.
Kabagimu warned that selective enforcement of laws, as seen in previous elections, could undermine civic education efforts. She advocated for empowering communities to speak for themselves, rather than relying solely on CSO leaders. “We are seeing increased military involvement in civilian space. The solution lies in strengthening communities and building their capacity to claim their rights,” she concluded-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
