The acting Inspector General of Government, Mr Raphael Baku, has issued a hash indictment of government, saying all its various departs are corrupt but only differ in the depth of the vice. "All government arms have been found to be corrupt," he said.

The IGG was addressing civil servants and political leaders from Kiboga, Hoima, Masindi, Buliisa and Kibaale districts in Hoima during the launch of the 2008 National Integrity Survey Report.

General complacency

He said people have become complacent about corruption.

"Members of the public have accepted corruption as a way of life. This is unfortunate and must stop," he said.

The survey that was commissioned by Reev Consult shows that corruption is prevalent among people in the age bracket of 25 and 30 years who want to accumulate wealth within a very short time after school.

"They want to own houses, buy an expensive car and make lavish weddings in a short time. This tempts them to resort to steal public funds," Mr Baku said.

He said syndicated corruption is prevalent in many districts where senior civil servants collude to steal public money.

"You find a chief administrative officer, chief finance officer, district auditor and engineer colluding to steal public money and then co-ordinate to hide evidence that could implicate them," he said.

He said bodies that are created to fight the vice are not given enough money.

The survey found the Police to be the most corrupt, followed by the Judiciary and the Uganda Revenue Authority.

Graft at Inspectorate

Ironically, the office of the IGG was listed among the corrupt government institutions.

"At that level, people can resort to demonstrations, riots and civil strife, aimed at removing the regime in power, as it is understood to be the cause of suffering," Mr Baku said adding: Corruption may therefore lead to economic decline, social disharmony and political instability."