I have seen several cases where corrupt government officials are arrested, prosecuted, and jailed for embezzling public funds. The first thing the government usually does is freeze their bank accounts, but it often stops there. In my view, that is not enough.
I would like to appeal to the government that whenever a public official is arrested and there is sufficient evidence of embezzlement, not only should his or her bank accounts be frozen, but all assets believed to have been acquired through corruption should also be confiscated and sold through a public auction to recover the stolen money.
Ugandans have recently read in the media that the bank accounts of the former Speaker of Parliament have been frozen. However, the question is: what about the physical properties? If investigations establish that such properties were acquired using stolen public funds, they too should be confiscated and auctioned so that the money can be recovered for the benefit of the public.
This is one of the most effective ways to combat the cancer of corruption in Uganda. Imagine someone earning only UGX 1 million per month but owning properties worth UGX 12 billion. Where could such enormous wealth have come from if not through corruption?
Otherwise, some people will continue stealing public funds, investing them in commercial buildings, arcades, and other income-generating properties. Even if they are arrested and imprisoned, those properties will continue generating income, enabling them to hire expensive lawyers and maintain their wealth while serving their sentences.
Recovering stolen assets “not just freezing bank accounts” would send a stronger message that corruption does not pay.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
