27 December 2011
editorial
When Parliament went on recess last Friday, a couple of MPs held press conferences reiterating their commitment to fighting corruption. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Nandala Mafabi, asked two ministers cited in a case where compensation to businessmen was inflated, to resign.
In a nearby room, youth MPs led by Mr Peter Ogwang (Eastern), promised to lead the censure process of these two ministers when Parliament resumes next year.
What has been undisputable about this Parliament so far is that it has decided to walk the talk in the fight against a monster that at one time we thought as a country we had succumbed to. The oil debate in October, for example, finally allowed candid discussion on what was increasingly becoming a no-go area.
For example, efforts by two journalists from this media house to compel the government to open up on the oil sector failed after court dismissed their application to be allowed access to the oil agreements. But that the President and the Executive have been compelled to now make public some information about the nascent oil sector means we must give Parliament due credit.
When the Kabakumba Masiko saga cropped up recently, again it was Parliament that took the lead in ensuring the minister takes political responsibility and resigns. What is even more commendable about this renewed fight against graft is that it is bi-partisan. It is refreshing to see Mr Abdu Katuntu (FDC) work with Mr Wilfred Niwagaba (NRM) in the company of Mr Gerald Karuhanga (Ind).
That MPs realise the importance of surpassing party lines to do things that indeed should unite us as a country is important. Of course there will always be attempts to beat members in line through caucuses but it is vital that legislators decipher when they should be partisan and when they should be patriotic.
Recent World Bank reports indicate Uganda loses Shs900 billion annually to corruption. This money can do a lot to fix our limping social services. Our prayer then is that in 2012, the anti-corruption fight should go even a notch higher.
AllAfrica – All the Time