Masindi Residents Express Disillusionment Over Unresolved Corruption Cases from Barazas

Community members in Masindi are voicing strong discontent regarding the effectiveness of anti-corruption Barazas, a platform designed to expose and investigate corruption within government bodies. Despite years of these engagements, many issues brought forward by citizens are reportedly left unresolved, leading to a sense of hopelessness.

During a recent Anti-Corruption Baraza in Masindi Town, local leaders and residents highlighted persistent problems. Mr. Wahid Babyesiza Juma, a district councillor, shared his experience of reporting a corruption-related case to the Inspector General of Government’s office in 2024, only to receive no response. He noted that investigators sometimes engage with the accused without properly addressing the original complaints submitted by the public.

Echoing these sentiments, resident Haruna Irumba spoke of the extensive delays in investigations, referencing a decade-old bitumen-related case that is still pending. He urged anti-corruption officials to be more transparent and responsive to build public trust. Salama Kugonza, Board Chairperson of Recreation for Development and Peace, a youth empowerment NGO, stated that the government’s inaction on corruption cases has significantly eroded public hope in the fight against the vice.

Responding to these concerns, Nicholas Abola, Director of Information and Communications at the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity, attributed some of the delays to poor coordination among public servants across various government ministries, departments, and agencies. He acknowledged that this lack of unified communication can undermine public confidence. Additionally, some attendees at the Baraza called for a review of existing laws to better empower anti-corruption agencies in their efforts.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/residents-decry-unresolved-corruption-complaints-raised-in-barazas-5507082