The Inspector General of Government (IGG) Hon. Betty Kamya has expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of recent sanctions imposed by Western countries on Ugandan officials to combat corruption. Speaking to a local radio Radio, Kamya argued that these sanctions, notably from the United Kingdom and the United States, are diluted by their association with Uganda's stance on homosexuality.
Kamya’s comments come in the wake of sanctions targeting senior government officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among. These officials have been accused of gross human rights violations and corruption. However, Betty Kamya contends that the true intent behind these sanctions is ambiguous due to their alignment with other political issues, such as Uganda's position on LGBTQ+ rights.
"The problem with these particular sanctions is that they are being used to fight several issues, including Uganda’s stance on homosexuality," Kamya stated.
She further questioned the authenticity of the sanctions' anti-corruption agenda, suggesting that their multifaceted nature undermines their effectiveness.
Kamya highlighted specific instances of corruption within Uganda's health sector to illustrate the challenges of combating corruption. She pointed to practitioners involved in illicit activities such as selling blood, stealing drugs, and demanding money from patients before treatment. These issues, she emphasized, stem from poor supervision and regulatory failures.
“Where is the National Drug Authority in all this? Where is your voice, Uganda Dentist and Medical Practitioners Association, Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, Allied Health Professionals Associations, Uganda Blood Transfusion Services? While these corrupt practices are rampant in the health sector, where are the voices of these regulatory bodies?” Kamya questioned.
She criticized the lack of proactive measures and accountability from these organizations, calling for a more robust response to the corruption that plagues the most critical sectors impacting taxpayers.
Among the officials sanctioned are former ministers for Karamoja, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, who face accusations of embezzling resources meant for vulnerable communities. Additionally, Gen Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, is under scrutiny for his role in the Kasese killings, which drew international condemnation.
Kamya's remarks shed light on the complex interplay between international sanctions and domestic corruption issues in Uganda. Her critique underscores the need for targeted and transparent efforts to address corruption effectively, free from the influence of unrelated political agendas.
As all these developments come in though, the big question that remains is - what is the ultimate solution to Uganda's unending corruption Problem.
