Local governments have become the centre of corruption in this country, whereby, without paying money to the District Service Commissions, no one can secure a job, regardless of their qualifications. These service commissions even award jobs to candidates who have failed interviews, provided they have paid a bribe.
It is only in local government where a project is budgeted at Shs 800 million, but only Shs 300 million is actually spent on the project.
What happens is that when the money is deposited into the bank, the bank manager requests a commission to expedite the release of the funds. Once the money is released, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) tells the contractor, “I am the accounting officer. I am the one who will appear before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee,” and demands a share.
After the CAO takes his portion, the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) tells the contractor, “I can’t sign your payment without my share,” and also demands a portion.
After the CFO takes a share, the district LCV Chairperson, together with councillors, asks for facilitation from the same funds, claiming it is for project monitoring.
Once they have taken their portion, the District Engineer tells the contractor, “I can’t issue a certificate of completion without my share,” forcing the contractor to pay again. After the District Engineer receives a portion, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) also asks for what the writer describes as his “blessing” for monitoring government programmes.
This leaves the contractor with no option but to compromise the quality of the work, for example by mixing one bag of cement with nine wheelbarrows of sand.
When the project, such as classroom blocks, develops cracks due to poor workmanship, the Resident District Commissioner is often the first to defend the contractor by blaming the nature of the soil where the building was constructed. However, according to the writer, the real problem is that much of the money meant for quality work has already been shared among various government officials.
I would like to encourage the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, to continue with his efforts. Ugandans are happy with the approach you are taking to expose corruption in this country.
I am aware that some groups have already begun holding meetings on how to undermine your efforts by portraying you negatively before President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the same strategy they allegedly use against anyone who attempts to confront corrupt officials. However, I encourage you to remain firm.
I am also calling upon Ugandans to join hands in supporting Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in the fight against corruption so that it can come to an end in this country.
Long live Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Long live President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
