The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called for a broader approach to Uganda’s anti-corruption initiatives, urging that the focus should be on the theft of public funds and the legitimate yet costly misuse of resources.

Speaking to young leaders at the Ndere Cultural Centre last week, Tayebwa emphasized that the fight against corruption must also address issues such as penalties and interest payments that the government incurs due to delays in contractor payments.

Tayebwa made these remarks during a “fireplace conversation” organized by Bernard Odoi Onen, the Youth MP for the Eastern region, to foster dialogue between youth and their leaders.

The Deputy Speaker’s comments come when public scrutiny of parliament has intensified following allegations of widespread corruption. Currently, five MPs are facing corruption charges, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms.

In his speech, Tayebwa pointed out that while corruption is often seen as the outright theft of public funds, the government also suffers significant financial losses through legitimate means.

He noted that delays in paying contractors, such as those working with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), result in substantial penalties. Last year alone, the government paid Shs 26 billion in penalties to UNRA due to these delays.

Tayebwa further revealed that the government’s budget for the financial year 2024/2025 allocates Shs 9 trillion for interest payments to creditors, including international institutions like the World Bank and Exim Bank of China. This allocation marks a sharp increase in interest payments, which have surged by Shs 1.42 trillion over the past two years.

The Deputy Speaker stressed that these legitimate financial losses are often overlooked but are as damaging as outright corruption. He called on government officials to take responsibility and ensure that such losses are minimized.

Tayebwa also warned against the practice of government employees demanding kickbacks for decision-making, which he said has led to significant financial setbacks for the government.

In closing, Tayebwa emphasized that it is crucial to hold those responsible for these losses accountable, not just through financial restitution but also by considering the removal of individuals from their positions.

He urged the youth to remain vigilant and committed to fighting all forms of corruption, as the future of the nation depends on transparent and efficient governance.

Tayebwa’s remarks underscore the need for a more holistic approach to tackling corruption in Uganda, addressing both the visible theft of public funds and the less obvious, but equally harmful, financial mismanagement that continues to strain the nation’s economy.