Many Ugandan politicians seem to forget their communities’ values when they take office. We, as leaders, must be guided by our morals, customs, and cultures to truly represent our people. A politician, especially an MP, is a symbol of their society. When a leader is arrested for corruption, yet their community welcomes them back as a hero, it sends a troubling message: that perhaps corruption is tolerated. This phenomenon deserves further study.
In some countries, authorities escort corruption suspects or convicts to their home villages. This serves as a public shaming and discourages future thefts. Here, the response is vastly different. Villagers often celebrate the return of these individuals, turning them into heroes instead of villains. This can incentivize those who might have previously resisted corruption to steal in order to receive similar praise.
Many media platforms, including the Ankole Times, have repeatedly reported on celebratory parties thrown for MPs accused of corruption. These individuals are treated like returning Olympic champions, when in reality, they are facing criminal charges and should be held accountable.
It’s important to remember the presumption of innocence until proven guilty (as enshrined in Article 28(3)(a) of the Ugandan Constitution). However, being accused casts a shadow. Until a court makes a final judgment, a suspect is neither completely innocent nor entirely guilty. The French legal system takes this a step further, with a presumption of guilt until proven innocent.
Corruption steals billions of shillings from Uganda every year. Estimates suggest that up to 30% of public funds are lost to graft. To combat this, we must stand united against corruption and shun those involved.
Unfortunately, the situation in villages is different. Local citizens, often unconcerned with legal intricacies, view their MPs facing charges as innocent victims of political persecution.
A Call to Action
Madam Mariam Wangadya, the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), has emerged as a champion against corruption. She deserves recognition alongside other Ugandan anti-graft heroines like Miriam Matembe, Professor Florence Wakoko, Winnie Byanyima, Ketty Lamoro, Lydia Musungu, and Sarah Bugoosi Kibooli.
Voters, come 2026, must hold their representatives accountable. We need to ask our MPs, especially those recently arrested, some tough questions: “Were you elected to legislate or to steal public resources?” “Have you ever effectively debated on our behalf in Parliament?” “Are you not embarrassed by your actions and the shame you bring to our community?”
The media, including platforms like The Ankole Times, has a crucial role to play. They must continuously educate Ugandans about the dangers of corruption and the various punishments in place. This fight against corruption must encompass everyone, from permanent secretaries and MPs to parish chiefs and CAOs, for no one is immune.
