Human Rights
Opinion : Why President Museveni’s Corruption Fight Is A Joke

Corruption in Uganda has been a persistent and pervasive issue that has hindered the country’s development for decades. Despite numerous promises and initiatives aimed at curbing this menace, corruption remains deeply rooted in the Ugandan political and economic system. In this opinion piece, I explore why President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has failed to effectively combat corruption in Uganda.
Entrenched Political Patronage
One of the primary reasons President Museveni struggles to fight corruption is the entrenched system of political patronage. Museveni’s regime has relied heavily on patronage to maintain power. High-ranking officials and loyalists are often rewarded with lucrative positions and contracts, creating an environment where corruption thrives. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2023, Uganda ranked 142 out of 180 countries, indicating a high level of perceived corruption. The patronage system makes it difficult to hold corrupt officials accountable without destabilizing the political structure that supports Museveni’s rule.
Weak Institutional Frameworks
Uganda’s institutional frameworks designed to combat corruption are weak and often lack the independence needed to function effectively. The Inspectorate of Government (IG), Uganda’s primary anti-corruption agency, has been criticized for being underfunded and lacking the necessary autonomy. In 2022, the IG reported that it recovered only 11.5 billion UGX (approximately 3 million USD) in assets from corrupt officials, a fraction of the estimated billions lost to corruption annually. Without strong and independent institutions, efforts to combat corruption are largely symbolic.
Lack of Political Will
Despite public declarations against corruption, there is a noticeable lack of political will at the highest levels of government to tackle the issue head-on. President Museveni has often appointed friends and relatives to key positions, raising questions about his commitment to transparency and accountability. A 2019 report by the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU) highlighted that many corruption cases involving high-ranking officials were either dismissed or dragged on indefinitely without resolution. This lack of decisive action sends a clear message that corruption is tolerated, if not outright protected, within the government.
Influence of Military and Security Forces
The military and security forces play a significant role in Museveni’s administration, often being used to suppress dissent and opposition. This militarization of politics creates an environment where accountability is secondary to maintaining control. In many cases, military officials implicated in corruption are shielded from prosecution. For instance, the case of the mismanagement of funds meant for the procurement of military hardware has never been thoroughly investigated. The protection of corrupt individuals within the military further undermines efforts to combat corruption.
Economic Factors and Poverty
Uganda’s economic challenges, including widespread poverty and unemployment, exacerbate the problem of corruption. When public servants and officials are poorly paid, they may resort to corrupt practices to supplement their income. According to the World Bank, approximately 21.4% of Uganda’s population lived below the national poverty line in 2020. This economic desperation creates fertile ground for corruption at all levels of government and society. Addressing economic inequality and providing fair compensation for public servants are crucial steps in reducing the incentive for corruption.
International Pressure and Aid Dependency
Uganda’s dependency on international aid also complicates the fight against corruption. Donor agencies and foreign governments have often turned a blind eye to corruption in exchange for political stability and cooperation on regional security issues. While international donors have occasionally withheld aid to pressure the government, these measures are often short-lived and fail to bring about systemic change. The reliance on foreign aid creates a paradox where corruption is both criticized and indirectly sustained by the international community.
Societal Norms and Culture
Corruption has become normalized in many aspects of Ugandan society, making it a challenging issue to address. From petty bribery to grand corruption, these practices are often seen as a necessary means to an end. A 2020 survey by Afrobarometer revealed that 69% of Ugandans believed that corruption had increased in the previous year, and 59% felt that ordinary people could not do anything to fight corruption. Changing societal attitudes towards corruption requires a long-term strategy focused on education, civic engagement, and building trust in public institutions.
President Museveni’s inability to effectively combat corruption in Uganda is a multifaceted issue rooted in political, institutional, economic, and societal factors. The entrenched system of political patronage, weak institutions, lack of political will, influence of military and security forces, economic challenges, international pressure, and societal norms all contribute to the persistence of corruption. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive and sustained effort that goes beyond mere rhetoric and token reforms. For Uganda to make significant progress in the fight against corruption, there must be a genuine commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance at all levels of society.
Male Deogratius, also known as Omusawo Tintah, is a journalist and human rights advocate