CORRUPTION

LESSON #29

CORRUPTION

Corruption is like leprosy, it will eat you up slowly and painfully until you have no limbs left. This is one of the worst vices in the world. This country alone has been voted among the top corrupt countries in Africa. The question is can we stop corruption? The answer is YES and NO. Yes we can fight corruption and NO we cannot stop it but we can control it/reduce its effects.

Corruption is not only in the government it is also in everyday people. Corruption grows stronger and healthier the more we turn a deaf ear and blind eye and go like “Oh that is Uganda for God and my stomach”. We the citizens are the major cause of corruption because we have ACCEPTED IT as the norm/trend, “omulembe”. We start pointing fingers at others forgetting that we ourselves are already corrupt. I like the black Monday concept but wearing black and still doing the same action behind curtains will not help, ‘walk to work’ another anti-corruption concept a very good one but if am still going to bribe my way out of a situation tomorrow am no worse than any other corrupt official.

 

Corruption is a disease for the greedy and uncivilized peoples, yes even the United States of America is corrupt but at least it puts its citizens first because the citizens have refused to ACCEPT corruption as a norm. You will think “well this doesn’t affect me am self-employed”, but it does affect you because you’re in UGANDA.

Am not much of a politician but this is my view as a concerned citizen. My concept might be snail paced but at least it’s a start.

1.           You as an individual as a citizen of Uganda you should be PATRIOTIC. Without patriotism you will not care what happens in your country whether good or bad.

2.           It’s your duty to make sure that you make this country suitable for your children to enjoy when they grow up. Just like those who fought for our independence so that their children enjoy freedom.

3.           We should stop comparing governments; we cannot live our whole lives in the past. Let the past rest learn a lesson and move on. Comparing governments and presidents will not curb corruption but increase frustration.

4.           We should stop being lazy and impatient. Most people want government jobs to get “free allowances” yet they do nothing in their appointed offices. Some citizens too impatient to have their paperwork cleared in the normal order so they give “kitu kidogo” to have their papers moved quickly at their speed. Stop giving in to bribes and stop giving bribes. It’s as simple as that.

5.        Having public demonstrations is not the best way to have your voices heard. Remember wars never bring peace, but talks do. Sensitize people that in order to stop corruption they should stop accepting it as norm.

6.           Love your country corruption starts and stops with YOU.

·        A contented mind is a continual feast. Greed and material desires must be curbed to achieve lasting happiness and serenity. Be happy with what you have. Do you really need all of those material possessions? One can develop contentment just as one develops patience, courage and concentration - with daily practice and sincere desire.

·        Strive to be humble and live a simple life.

Luke 12:15, Matt 6:33.