By Brian Atuhura

The Commissioner for Ethics in the Office of the President under the Directorate for Ethics and Integrity,Moses Makumbi,has revealed that government is registering a decline in corruption tendencies among public officers following the introduction of the digital asset declaration system.
He said,the new system has made it increasingly difficult for officials to hide or acquire illicit assets.
Makumbi also announced that, government has increased funding for Anti-Corruption Agencies from shs 60.6billion in 2024 to shs 88.2billions in 2025, a deliberate move aimed at strengthening the national fight against corruption.
He described the increased allocation as a major milestone in government's anti-graft efforts.
He made the remarks on Thursday, while addressing stakeholders during a consultative meeting on the new National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS)2025-2031,held in the District council chambers.
Makumbi emphasized the need to reinforce political will across all administrative levels from local governments to central governments to ensure a coordinated and effective anti-corruption campaign.
Opening the engagement, Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC), Patrick Asiimwe, said denial remains one of the biggest drivers of corruption in Uganda, cautioning leaders to confront the vice rather than downplaying it.
During the plenary discussions, stakeholders proposed key reforms to be considered in the new strategy and these included:
Ensuring Independence of Anti-Corruption Agencies to improve their efficiency and credibility.
Revising the appointment process for District Service Commission members, suggesting that appointments be made directly by the central government.
Enhancing salaries for all public servants as a means of reducing vulnerability to corruption.
Incorporating anti-corruption education in schools to nurture a future generation intolerant of graft.
The Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (PACAO),Musa Kyamiza, called for firm action against powerful individuals implicated in corruption, arguing that their arrest and prosecution would serve as a strong deterrent to others.
Closing the session,the Chairperson for Social Services,Goodman B Farouk,who represented the District Chairperson, said corruption persists partly because some leaders supervising technocrats are less academically equipped to understand key documents and processes, creating loopholes that fuel the vice.