Endorsing Corruption is the biggest Betrayal of our Time.

By Amon Taliire.

When this country's leadership watchdogs wag their ugly tails at corruption, kneeling down to invoke the help of our ancestors is the lasting solution. Probably their ghosts are the refuge we need, for our leaders have proudly and confidently betrayed our trust.

The recent display in Lwengo district, where Kinyamatama and Among (legislator and boss respectively) openly endorsed corruption, was akin to watching two irrational babies juggling pieces of hot coal. They stipulated it clear that corruption is a “virtue” to be praised and glorified. If we are now supposed to cheer for illegal gains as long as the loot benefits the so-called “family”-a family where the parents are plump and the children resemble malnourished rats­, then it becomes better to make corruption the national dish, served with salads of public betrayal and a glass of disguised theft.

Envisage a family dinner having embezzled funds as the main dish, garnished with a side of public betrayal. The biggest irony here is that the newly multi-sanctioned madam speaker is partaking in this banquet. I believe the sanctioning governments are popping champagne as they have reason for justifying their earlier deliberations. At this point, can we really look the speaker straight in the eye and call her honorable? This is like calling a lion a vegetarian.

When the dead who welcomed this government hear that legislators refer to sharing their loot with their constituents as sharing, they angrily toss in their graves in shock, regretting for having misused their hospitality. Should we really consider our leadership as public service if the only service involved is to their bank accounts? It's like calling a mosquito a philanthropist because it donates blood.

The duo’s collaboration to rejoice over graft is no different from seeing two cats entrusted with keeping watch over milk; do you expect safety for the milk? Kinyamatama claimed that if Honourable Cissy is being accused of corruption, she must have been feasting with her electorate in Lwengo. Such a statement leaves us doubting whether these words came from a rational creature. And if it is the case, it is indicative of how rationality has gradually depreciated overtime.  It beats human understanding when a “rational” being gathers attention to express how commendable it is, to siphon off funds from the state coffers, only to brag about it. This ashamed not only the Kinyamatama individual but also the government she represents. For sure, we owe our ancestors an apology for being so tolerant to this extent. Had it been them, they would have called fire from the skies to consume these satanic sacrifices.

Is there anyone who can honestly condemn those who criticize the authorities for their corruption sprees? We, the citizens, must demand accountability from these so-called leaders who swindle chunks of money as though they are competing for the best “money fraud trophy.” We need to actively demand accountability, for the minority in power represent a majority immersed in abject poverty, with dilapidated roads, a sickening health care, as well a decaying education system. When we fail to get an alternative to this abnormally speeding truck, we will have no choice other than colliding head-on with the rock at the foot of the hill. Until when shall we sit to watch the fire burn down our hut?

Hon. Juliet’s declaration that the remanded Cissy Namujju feasted with her electorate is the biggest lie ever told since the commencement of the 21st century. Lwengo is one of those districts that are drowning in poverty (actually destitution) as though it is intentional. The roads resemble clay mines, coupled with health facilities that are worse than warlike impoverished abandoned houses. The feasting in question remains a myth, and its benefits to the people a legend, having only untrue connotations The more we spoon-feed these individuals who shamelessly glorify and sympathize with the corrupt, the more we tarnish the name of our country. Aren’t we angered enough to take action?

Drawing to the close, our elected officials should step up and lead the charge to mitigate the parasitic corruption draining our nation of sanity. We are left in surprise seeing the shepherds feasting on the sheep. It would be ethical for these legislators to retract their statements and vow commitment to uproot this cancer. Nevertheless, if they promise juice during campaigns and they deliver “nothing” during their tenures, what use would their plastic apologies be? The best apology is change of heart and deed other than flying words. Let us put attention to proper accountability and the restoration of sanity to our government and courts. Every citizen in Uganda has a duty to counteract corruption and the misuse of public funds. Only then can we promote authenticity, honesty, and accountability, fostering good governance and the rule of law what was once the Pearl of Africa.