The Inspectorate of Government has directed that the principal accountant of the Ministry of Health, Mr Nestor Machumbi Gasasira, be dismissed for failure to explain the source of his wealth.

This decision, according to a letter by acting IGG Raphael Baku, resulted from false declaration of wealth by Gasasira--a violation of the Leadership Code Act which requires specified public officers to declare their incomes, assets and liabilities from time to time. The Act also spells out penalties to be imposed for breach of the Code.

The IGG's directive is commendable, especially coming at a time when President Museveni has expressed his government's renewed commitment to fighting corruption. The government has been strongly criticised by various interest groups for not doing enough to rid Uganda of corruption, with the country losing an estimated Shs500 billion yearly to what has become a widespread vice. If the government's pledge to clamp down on graft is practical; then it must stop tolerating this vile practice in its ranks and protecting some corruption suspects.

Despite efforts by various anti-corruption bodies, there are growing concerns that the law is applied selectively, with patronage playing a significant role in determining who gets prosecuted. These concerns demand scrutiny and action. It is absurd that a government that claims to be serious about fighting corruption is seemingly selective--targeting the 'small fish' as powerful officials who have shamelessly robbed this country with impunity, remain untouchable.

This is not to exonerate small thieves. They, too, contribute to looting public resources; a practice that has stalled development, crippled social services and condemned millions of Ugandans to humiliating levels of poverty.

Any form of corruption, however minor, is inexcusable. We, however, demand that the law is not applied selectively. All corruption suspects, regardless of political weight, must be investigated and prosecuted.The government needs no reminder that sheer pronouncements will not eliminate corruption. It requires political will and practical approaches.

To build a country in which honesty, transparency as well as integrity are highly upheld, there must be commitment from every Ugandan to support anti-corruption efforts. Importantly, the government must lead by example by cracking the whip evenly.