The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Betty Kamya, has expressed her skepticism regarding the effectiveness of sanctions imposed by the West in combating corruption in Uganda. The United Kingdom and the United States of America recently imposed sanctions on several high-ranking government officials, including Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, citing alleged gross human rights violations and corruption.
However, Kamya believes that these sanctions are not genuinely aimed at fighting corruption in Uganda. Instead, she argues that they are being used to pressure Uganda on various issues, including its stance on homosexuality. Kamya emphasized that the real corruption issues in Uganda, such as the theft of drugs and blood, patient exploitation, and poor supervision, are being overlooked.
Kamya specifically questioned the silence of relevant authorities, including the National Drug Authority, Uganda Dental and Medical Practitioners Association, Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, Allied Health Professionals Associations, and Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, in addressing these corruption issues in the health sector.
The targeted officials include former ministers Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, accused of embezzling funds intended for vulnerable communities, and General Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy CDF, implicated in the Kasese killings. Kamya’s comments suggest that the Western sanctions may not be an effective deterrent against corruption in Uganda, and that local efforts are needed to address the root causes of corruption.
