Government plans to introduce a digital system dubbed the "National Switch" to monitor public funds and prevent leakages as part of renewed efforts to combat corruption, State Minister for National Guidance Allioni Odria has revealed.
Government is set to introduce a system dubbed the "National Switch" to monitor and track public funds and resources in a bid to curb leakages and strengthen the fight against corruption.
State Minister for National Guidance Allioni Odria revealed the plan while addressing leaders from the Bunyoro sub-region during an ideological orientation course at Kakumiro Classic Hotel in Kakumiro District.
Odria, who was making his first public appearance in Kakumiro District since his appointment as Minister said government will also require leaders including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) to submit monthly reports on corruption cases handled in their respective areas.
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"Corruption in Uganda focuses on financial loss, abuse of office, embezzlement, bribery and misuse of public resources but corruption is fundamentally more than a legal or administrative problem. It is an ideological problem. It is a values problem. It is a crisis of national consciousness," Odria said.
He said that ideological engagements are essential in instilling patriotism, social cohesion and national unity as well as eliminating misinformation.
According to Odria, corruption thrives when individuals abandon national principles and prioritise personal interests over collective welfare.
"Every act of corruption diverts resources away from national priorities such as schools, hospitals, roads, water systems, agriculture, youth employment and industrialisation," he said.
During the same engagement, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja urged local government leaders to support national development efforts by promoting transparency and accountability in the communities they serve.
Nabbanja cited cases of corruption in the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) recalling an incident in Kibaale District where an 80-year-old beneficiary received only Shs100,000 instead of the stipulated Shs1 million.
According to Nabbanja, the elderly man became suspicious after hearing on radio that each beneficiary was entitled to Shs1 million yet he had only received Shs100,000.
She said investigations into the matter led to the arrest and imprisonment of the parish chief involved.
Nabbanja also warned against corruption tendencies at Local Council level where some leaders demand money from citizens seeking official recommendations or stamps.
"That is corruption," she said.
The Prime Minister further highlighted Bunyoro's strategic importance in Uganda's economic transformation agenda particularly because of its role in the country's energy sector.
She argued that ideological disorientation, low levels of civic responsibility and limited awareness of government programmes at the community level continue to undermine national transformation efforts.
Nabbanja tasked leaders in the sub region with promoting peace and unity, supporting responsible resource management, protecting the environment, mobilising communities for development and preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernisation.
She assured participants that government would intensify community sensitisation campaigns through radio programmes, community dialogues and cultural forums.
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The Head of the Department of National Guidance, Kibedi Ismail said similar engagements would be rolled out across other regions to equip leaders with the ideological grounding necessary to steer the country's growth.
He urged leaders to utilise existing local structures to popularise government programmes and bridge information gaps to improve service delivery.
Participants welcomed the engagement, saying such forums motivate leaders to serve their communities with dignity. They also expressed pride that the Bunyoro sub region is represented by five ministers in government.
These include Balaam Barugahara, Minister for Local Government, Mary Mugasa, Minister for Bunyoro Affairs, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Jonard Asiimwe, Minister for Science and innovation and Fred Byamukama, Minister for Transport.
