opinion 6 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Prayer for Impunity Fuels Uganda's Corruption, Analyst Claims
While many Ugandans are turning to prayer for solutions to corruption, some religious figures are inadvertently fostering a climate of impunity, according to an opinion piece in the Daily Monitor. The author argues that such prayers, particularly for pardons of corrupt officials, strengthen the very systems that allow corruption to thrive. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/columnists/allan-tacca/prayers-will-keep-corruption-strong-5486970
Uganda finds itself at a crossroads regarding corruption, with differing factions offering contrasting views on its potential eradication. Some individuals, often aligned with the ruling NRM party or financially benefiting from it, publicly assert that corruption is on a downward trend. However, many skeptical Ugandans have witnessed repeated cycles where anti-corruption efforts are short-lived, allowing the problem to rebound with renewed vigor.
After decades under NRM rule, critics observe that systemic issues enabling corruption persist, evidenced by recent senior government appointments. The author points to the timing of parliamentary leadership changes, which occurred after critical legislation and budgetary measures were passed, potentially providing the regime with tools to maintain the status quo. Furthermore, the expansive size of the Cabinet, with 82 ministers, is seen not as a move towards efficiency but as a perpetuation of a fragmented system driven by tribal and sectarian interests rather than national progress.
In the face of such challenges, a segment of the population places its faith in divine intervention, believing that only God can redeem the nation. While the idea of a supernatural fix is appealing, the author highlights a concerning trend among some religious leaders. A recent instance involved a pastor praying for the pardon of a former minister imprisoned for corruption related to iron sheets meant for the impoverished Karamoja region. This prayer, the author argues, was not for justice but for the universal application of impunity, seeking the release of a convicted thief without addressing the broader issue of accountability for others involved.
The core argument presented is that while God may be in a state of “divine rest” and unable to intervene directly, prayers for impunity only embolden corrupt elements. Instead of promoting accountability, these prayers inadvertently strengthen the systems and individuals that perpetuate corruption, effectively making the problem more entrenched.