Politics 18 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bukedi, Bugisu Leaders Demand Stricter Anti-Corruption Laws
Local leaders and anti-corruption advocates from the Bukedi and Bugisu regions are advocating for significant amendments to Uganda's Anti-Corruption Act. They believe stronger legal provisions and enforcement are crucial to effectively combat graft and restore public trust. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/bukedi-bugisu-leaders-push-for-tougher-anti-corruption-law-5562076
Legislators and local officials from the Bukedi and Bugisu Sub Regions have joined calls for a more robust Anti-Corruption Act in Uganda. Their primary argument is that current legal frameworks contain loopholes and suffer from weak enforcement, thereby hindering anti-corruption efforts and undermining public confidence in governance.
These concerns were voiced during accountability forums organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in Tororo and at Wash and Wills Hotel. Participants, including Members of Parliament from key committees like COSASE and Public Accounts, district leaders, and civil society representatives, emphasized the need for stricter penalties. Tororo District LC5 Chairperson, Mr. John Okea, proposed increased fines and longer prison sentences to serve as a greater deterrent against the theft of public resources.
Furthermore, the need for enhanced whistleblower protection was highlighted. Mr. Okea stressed that individuals reporting corruption should be shielded from intimidation and retaliation. Namisindwa District LC5 Chairperson, Mr. Emma Bwayo, pointed to the necessity of strengthening the independence of anti-corruption institutions to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of cases. He also advocated for improved asset recovery, including funds and property hidden abroad.
MPs like Eng. James Waluswaka (Bunyole West) and Richard Hamala Wanyama (Samia Bugwe Central) called for stronger enforcement provisions for timely prosecution and an independent oversight body for anti-graft agencies. Mr. Wanyama expressed concern that some agencies might exploit their powers for personal gain. Mr. Fredrick Angura (Tororo South County) welcomed the proposed amendments while urging public officers to maintain integrity.
The WFD Country Director, Mr. Joseph Munyangabo, stated that the forums aimed to gather firsthand experiences and identify institutional weaknesses. He assured continued commitment to building leaders’ capacity in safeguarding public resources and improving government program oversight. The proposals are expected to be presented to Parliament for consideration, with a push for clear classifications of corruption offenses and penalties commensurate with their gravity.