By KT Reporter
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have opened the calls for the nomination of prominent individuals who have stood up against corruption in the Acholi Sub-region for the National Citizens Integrity Awards 2024. The annual initiative led by Action Aid International Uganda seeks to recognize and reward personalities who do not condone corruption at the sub-regional and national levels.
In the Acholi Sub-region, Action Aid International Uganda has partnered with Gulu NGO Forum which is spearheading the nomination and vetting processes of the nominees. Francis Boniface Okello, the Executive Director of Gulu NGO Forum says while many approaches such as name and shame initiatives have been used in the fight against corruption, it is high time to recognize and reward those who fought against the vice.
Okello noted that the move would promote integrity and transparency in public service delivery in the region thereby curbing corruption tendencies. According to Okello, three nominees from the region will receive recognition and rewards once successful through voting in the three different categories. The categories for nomination are Frontline service awards, management service awards, and political leaders awards.
The bid for the nomination of the individuals was flagged off on October 18 with the exercise expected to close on December 4. Okello says there is a need for the locals in the sub-region to interest themselves in the exercise to nominate those who have tirelessly fought against corruption.
Dr. Constantine Luwum, the Board Chairperson of the Gulu NGO Forum says combating corruption at all levels in the country ensures the communities are safeguarded from losing out on essential services provided by the government. For instance, Dr Constantine noted that if the education sector isn’t functioning well because of corruption, the future of young learners is jeopardized.
A similar exercise that seeks to recognize prominent anticorruption defenders was unveiled in the West Nile Sub-region early this month by a consortium of Non-governmental Organisations under their umbrella body West Nile Civil Society Network (WECISNET).
Launched in 2016 by Action Aid International Uganda, the National Citizens Integrity Awards honors those who uphold ethical standards in their duties, empowering Ugandans to challenge corruption and demand accountability.
At least two outstanding public servants from Acholi Sub-region have been honoured with the award since the inception of the initiative. They are Dr Patrick Odong Olwedo, former Amuru District Health Officer and Charles Uma Okot, the former Chief Administrative Officer for Lamwo District who emerged as the overall winner of the 2019 National Citizens Integrity Awards-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
