It’s been a day of protest: in Germany, anti-G8 protestors clashed with police; meanwhile London saw demonstrators saying ‘the world can’t wait’ for an end to poverty. Campaigners resent the ‘self-appointed informal world government’ of the G8, which uses aid and financial muscle to police the leaders of other countries. But Richard M Kavuma says the aid conditions set by the G8 are doing little to stop corruption.
Interesting times we’re living through in Uganda. Only last month, two men who were previously ministers in President Museveni’s government had a taste of life in the country’s Luzira prison.
These ex-ministers and a niece of first lady Janet Museveni have allegedly ‘mismanaged’ a fund worth nearly $5 million intended for the immunisation of Uganda’s children against killer diseases.
After netting such big fish, the President might have expected the whole population to applaud him. Instead the cynics are having a field day. One reason is that people simply don’t believe that Museveni is serious on corruption.
Instead of distancing themselves from the accused in this current case, members of the President’s party, his cabinet, and even members of his family have visited the accused in jail. Others held parties to celebrate their release on bail.
It is rumoured that Museveni only okayed action against his cronies to appease the donors, who can withhold their critically needed aid unless Uganda is seen to tackle corruption.
I’m not giving any credence to this latest anti-corruption probe until one or two of the accused are actually convicted and locked away. Short of that, it feels like yet another round of donor-inspired drama.
Congratulations for the watchdog -eye concerning laxity in handling corruption in our country -Uganda.keep it up!
Posted by: TWENY JAMES | 03 June 2007 at 09:34