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By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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| KEY TAKEAWAYS |
|---|
| Young women in Uganda are courageously leading anti-corruption protests. |
| The government’s crackdown includes arrests and intimidation of protestors. |
| Corruption significantly impacts healthcare and education for women and girls. |
| Many young activists draw motivation from personal experiences linked to corruption. |
| Bribery and embezzlement are major issues contributing to Uganda’s corruption crisis. |
| Despite challenges, young women remain determined to advocate for change. |
Uganda Corruption Protests: Young Women Lead the Charge
In Uganda, a growing movement of young women is standing up against a long-standing system of corruption. These bold activists are risking arrest and harassment to hold their government accountable for repeatedly failing its people. Their actions expose the widespread nature of corruption in Uganda and its harmful effects on marginalized communities, especially women and girls.
The Role of Young Women in Anti-Corruption Protests
Young women like Margaret Natabi, Claire Namara, Norah Kobusingye, Praise Aloikin Opoloje, and Kemitoma Kyenziibo lead this anti-corruption movement. Despite government efforts to silence them, these activists continue their fight. Their motivation comes from personal experiences that show how corruption harms lives across Uganda.
Natabi’s story stands out. She blames her mother’s death on poor medical care caused by corruption. This tragedy strengthened her commitment to oppose a system that puts personal gain above the needs of many (IPS News).
The authorities noticed these protests. In July 2024, police arrested Natabi and Namara during a march to parliament. Undeterred, other activists, like Kobusingye, Opoloje, and Kyenziibo, continued protesting in September. Their courage is remarkable, even as they face arrest for displaying “No Corruption” signs.
Understanding Corruption and Its Impacts
Corruption is a widespread issue that occurs when individuals in power misuse their authority for personal gain. Common forms include bribery, which involves giving money or gifts to influence decisions, and embezzlement, where officials steal public funds for their own benefit. These practices weaken public trust and undermine development efforts (PREVALENCE OF CORRUPTION IN UGANDA).
What Is Nepotism?
Nepotism occurs when those in power give unfair advantages, such as jobs or promotions, to friends or family members, regardless of qualifications. This limits opportunities for others and weakens institutions.
What Is Bribery?
Bribery involves offering money, gifts, or favors to influence someone’s decisions, usually those in power. This form of corruption can prevent fair and just outcomes in government decisions.
The protests in Uganda highlight how deeply corruption impacts everyday life. Young activists like Margaret Natabi point to how corrupt practices even affect basic needs, like healthcare. Natabi’s personal story—her mother’s death from lack of proper medical care—reveals the tragic human cost when public funds meant for essential services are stolen or mismanaged (IPS News).
The Ugandan government’s inability to provide free menstrual products as promised further demonstrates the link between corruption and gender inequality. Despite public pledges, 65% of girls and women still lack access to proper menstrual health supplies. This issue, which affects their health and education, is a direct result of resources being misallocated or stolen (PREVALENCE OF CORRUPTION IN UGANDA).
The Ugandan government’s harsh reaction to peaceful protests, including tear gas and arrests, demonstrates its determination to suppress dissent. President Yoweri Museveni’s televised warning that protesters were “playing with fire” shows the government’s intent to silence voices seeking reform. Despite this, many young women activists remain undeterred, continuing their calls for accountability (BBC News).
Effects of Corruption on Uganda’s Economy
Corruption drains Uganda’s economy, with an estimated annual loss of UGX 9.4 trillion. This loss results from bribery, inflated payrolls, tax evasion, and other forms of theft. These financial setbacks prevent the country from funding essential services such as healthcare and education, trapping many in cycles of poverty (PREVALENCE OF CORRUPTION IN UGANDA).
This staggering amount hinders growth and development, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer while corrupt officials thrive. When public resources meant to benefit everyone are misappropriated, the most vulnerable, like women and children, bear the brunt of the consequences. Activists believe that addressing corruption at the highest levels of government is key to resolving many of these challenges (AP News).
Corruption in Uganda’s Governance
Corruption in Uganda runs deep, even at the highest levels of government. Allegations against officials like Speaker of Parliament Anita Among highlight the problem. The gap between politicians’ luxury and ordinary Ugandans’ struggles shows a system that serves a few at the expense of many.
Corruption costs Uganda an estimated UGX 9.4 trillion every year, according to a government study. This enormous loss includes bribery, fraudulent payrolls, and tax evasion, all of which stop Uganda from investing in critical services like healthcare and education. The financial drain worsens poverty and inequality (PREVALENCE OF CORRUPTION IN UGANDA).
The Impact of Corruption on Women and Girls
Corruption hurts Uganda’s most vulnerable groups, especially women and girls. A prime example is the failure to provide sanitary pads to rural schoolgirls. Despite promises, the program has fallen apart due to stolen funds, leaving young women feeling let down by their government.
65%
Girls and women without access to menstrual products
70%
Adolescent girls hindered in school performance due to menstruation
The numbers are startling: 65% of women and girls lack access to proper menstrual products. Furthermore, 70% of schoolgirls struggle in their studies because of issues related to menstruation. These figures show the urgent need for change (A Menstrual Health Snapshot of Uganda, 2021).
Corruption affects more than menstrual health. Poor healthcare, as seen in Natabi’s story, shows how corruption can be deadly. When funds for essential services vanish, women and girls in Uganda suffer the most.
Government Response to Protests
The government has responded to these protests with force and intimidation. In a televised speech, President Yoweri Museveni warned activists that they were “playing with fire,” which sent a clear message. The police have also used tear gas and violence to break up protests (BBC News).
Authorities often deny permission for protests, citing bureaucratic rules as an excuse to block public outcry. Though the government has sanctioned some officials accused of corruption, many critics say these measures are too weak and don’t solve the deeper issues (AP News).
40%
Ugandans who believe they can’t fight corruption
80%
Ugandans not actively fighting corruption
The government’s harsh approach has left many Ugandans feeling hopeless. A staggering 40% of the population believes they can’t fight corruption, and 80% say they aren’t actively trying to. These figures show the huge challenge ahead for anti-corruption efforts (PREVALENCE OF CORRUPTION IN UGANDA
FAQ
Q: What movement is emerging in Uganda regarding corruption?
A: A movement led by young women is challenging the entrenched system of corruption in Uganda, demanding accountability from the government.
Q: Who are some notable activists in this movement?
A: Activists like Margaret Natabi, Claire Namara, Norah Kobusingye, Praise Aloikin Opoloje, and Kemitoma Kyenziibo are at the forefront of these protests.
Q: How does corruption in Uganda impact women and girls?
A: Corruption disproportionately affects women and girls, evident in the widespread lack of access to menstrual products and inadequate healthcare services.
Q: What is the government’s response to the protests?
A: The Ugandan government has responded with force and intimidation, often using tear gas and violence to disperse demonstrations.
Q: What are the economic costs of corruption in Uganda?
A: Corruption costs Uganda approximately UGX 9.4 trillion annually, affecting development and perpetuating poverty.
Q: What percentage of Ugandans feel they can’t fight corruption?
A: About 40% of Ugandans believe they cannot fight corruption, contributing to a culture of fear and apathy around anti-corruption efforts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
