Ugandan citizens at various levels have commenced a process of identifying , nominating and awarding public officials who have exhibited a high level of integrity in serving their communities.
This year’s Integrity Awards will be held on 11th July 2023 in Kampala under a theme “Promoting integrity for a corruption free and sustainable society.”
“The winners of the awards will be selected through a systematic and transparent process that has kicked off. It began with the nomination of candidates who have distinguished themselves as men and women of integrity in public office for not less than five years.” Francis Xavier Ejoyi , Country Director Action Aid International Uganda on addressing the press in Kampala
He adds that this year’s awards will include Frontline service providers (service obligation), Management Obligation and Political Obligation.
On vetting , Ejoyi noted that the vetting committee will rate nominees on a scale of 1-5 based on the criteria which involves ; Specific Act of Integrity: The nominee has demonstrated a specific act of integrity which may be the recovery of a lost item, report of anomalies, standing up against corruption, or valuing time commitment for public service.
Secondly Consistency and Sustainability: This means that the nominee has been consistent in applying the value of integrity and is honest, truthful, and fair in her/his dealings.
“Influence on Society: The nominee is a respectable member of society, contributing her/his efforts, time, talent and resources for the betterment of his community.” he added
Nalunkuuma Doreen from Uganda Debt Network urged citizens to stop praising the corrupt but should name and shame them wherever they encounter them in public places/ gatherings.
“Copies of nomination forms have already been printed out, given out to people in rural areas in the 15 sub regions of this country to nominate their candidates for these awards. Others can nominate candidates via Actionaid Uganda social media platforms like Twitter handle @actionaiduganda and follow the #actionacounts,# standagainstcorruption and # integrity awards 2023. Nominations close on Friday 7th July, 2023.”
She added that citizens have a right to recall their award once the winner starts misbehaving or acting in unethical manner.
This year’s awards have been organized by ActionAid International Uganda in partnership with Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda, Transparency International Uganda, Uganda Debt Network, Inspectorate of Government, Directorate of Ethics and Integrity, regional partners and the media.
Impact
These awards since their inception, they have encouraged many people to turn away from being corrupt and become ethical in their operations.
Background
The initiative started in early 2000, where ActionAid International Uganda and its partners introduced citizen audits to inform the naming and shaming of public officers to put citizens at the center of the fight against corruption. Communities were supported to vote for the best and worst public officers and holders of government contracts. Learnings from such citizen-led initiatives informed the development of Integrity and Service Delivery Awards 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 that recognized individuals and organizations fighting corruption in Uganda.
