Alebtong, Uganda | State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa has called on the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to ensure that civil servants arrested over corruption allegations are expeditiously prosecuted if there is sufficient evidence against them.
Lakisa, who is also the Woman Member of Parliament for Alebtong District, said corruption among public officials is undermining government programmes intended to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
She made the remarks on Sunday, September 20, during an event organised by Lira Diocese to elevate St. Philomena Akwete Catholic Chapel – Abongo-dyang Parish in Abia Sub-county, Alebtong District, to a Eucharistic Centre.
Lakisa said reports of funds meant for programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), cattle restocking, and Emyooga being misappropriated by some officials are worrying. She said some people entrusted with implementing government programmes were allegedly diverting resources meant for communities, leaving intended beneficiaries without the support provided for them.
According to Lakisa, such practices not only deny people opportunities to improve their livelihoods but also undermine public confidence in government poverty-eradication programmes. She urged the relevant authorities to ensure that civil servants arrested over corruption allegations are taken through the judicial process, saying those found guilty should face the law.
Lakisa said failure to effectively deal with corruption cases could create a perception among communities that government programmes were ineffective, yet the problem could be caused by individuals entrusted with implementing them.
Moroto County MP Leo Elem also criticised what he described as delays in taking corruption suspects to court after their arrest.
Elem said arrests should be followed by prosecution where there is sufficient evidence, arguing that repeatedly arresting suspects without taking them before court does little to address corruption. He expressed concern that funds intended for government beneficiaries are allegedly being consumed by individuals responsible for implementing the programmes.
Meanwhile, Lira Diocese Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok said the church is ready to support christians through various programmes aimed at promoting development and improving livelihoods.
Bishop Wanok said the church has a role to play in supporting communities and strengthening programmes that contribute to social and economic development. He also urged the church to pay greater attention to the young generation by involving them in programmes that can provide guidance, skills, and opportunities.
Wanok warned that substance abuse, including marijuana use and alcoholism, is affecting many young people and could undermine their future. He called on parents, religious leaders and the wider community to work together to guide young people and help them avoid activities that could lead them into criminal behaviour and substance abuse.