Museveni’s Corruption Fight: A Year of Ironies, Scandal, and Sanctions
As 2024 ends, the question remains whether Uganda’s anti-corruption fight is bearing fruit or simply spinning in circles.
The fight against corruption under President Museveni's National Resistance Movement (NRM) has long been described as a failed battle. Despite numerous anti-corruption agencies and high-profile pronouncements, the vice continues to grow at an alarming rate.
In 2024, however, the fight took on a unique dimension, with both local and international players raising alarms louder than ever before.
Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi expressed deep frustration, saying, “It may be time to give up because the only way to rid Uganda of corruption is when the Museveni regime is gone.”
President Museveni, in his characteristic fiery tone, promised sweeping action against corrupt individuals, accusing them of infiltrating parliament and even State House.
“We know them, and we’ve evidence. We are coming for you,” he declared.
His words raised hopes among anxious Ugandans that the corrupt would soon face justice. Yet, as the year draws to a close, critics argue that no significant action has been taken.
“There’s a disconnect between the president’s rhetoric and his actions, raising questions about his seriousness in tackling graft,” noted Cissy Kagaba, Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda.
Frustrated by inaction, young Ugandans, particularly members of Gen Z, took matters into their own hands. The most notable moment came when they marched to parliament, demanding the resignation of Speaker Anita Annet Among and tougher action against corruption.
Their boldness, coupled with accusations from Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces and Museveni’s son, that even his own brother-in-law was involved in corruption, left the nation stunned.
While Ugandans voiced their anger at home, the international community also took notice.
Global powers imposed sanctions on certain officials deemed complicit in corruption, barring some from setting foot in the US and the UK.
Among those affected were Speaker Among and several current and former ministers.
The year’s biggest shock came during the budgetary process and cooperative funds scandal.
Then Permanent Secretary Gerald Ssali and a group of legislators were arrested and remanded to Luzira Prison. Although they are now out on bail, their files remain in court as the nation watches for outcomes.
Government spokesperson Chris Baryomunsi defended the administration’s efforts, saying, “Just because we don’t announce every arrest or conviction doesn’t mean we’re not working. The infrastructure is in place, and we are acting.”
As 2024 ends, the question remains whether Uganda’s anti-corruption fight is bearing fruit or simply spinning in circles.
The public’s patience is wearing thin, and the stakes haven ever been higher.
