Uganda's Corruption Score Drops to 25 in Latest Global Index

Uganda’s fight against corruption has suffered another setback, with its score on the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) dropping to 25 points from 26 the previous year. Released annually by Transparency International since 1995, the index ranks 180 countries based on expert and business assessments of public sector corruption, using data from 13 sources.

Over the past decade, Uganda’s scores have stagnated or worsened, remaining well below the Sub-Saharan average of 32 and the global average of 42. In East Africa, Rwanda leads with 58 points at 41st globally, followed by Tanzania at 40 points (84th), Kenya at 30 (130th), and Uganda at 148th out of 182.

Worse performers include DR Congo (20 points), Burundi (17), and EAC members South Sudan and Somalia (both 9). An Afrobarometer survey shows seven in ten Ugandans view government anti-corruption efforts as poor, with corruption ranking fifth among national priorities after health, education, roads, and water.

More than 80% fear retaliation for reporting graft. Transparency International Uganda’s Peter Wandera emphasized the index’s role in holding governments accountable and attracting investment, stressing the need to surpass the current low score.

Former Ombudsman Augustine Ruzindana noted challenges in larger populations like Uganda compared to top African performers such as Seychelles (68 points). Inspectorate of Government researcher Gerald Gwaira attributed corruption to greed, weak oversight, low pay, and ethics gaps, targeting a score of 31 by 2030.

Recommendations include bolstering independent institutions, access to justice, whistleblower protections, and tackling illicit financial flows. Originally reported by Daily Monitor.