Electoral Corruption, Insights by the Special Presidential Assistant responsible for Anti-Corruption at the State House.

Uganda continues to grapple with electoral corruption, a problem that undermines the nation’s democratic processes and disproportionately affects its youth. As young people gathered at UNAFRI to seek solutions, Ms Rebecca Atwiine, the Special Presidential Assistant in charge of Anti-Corruption at the State House, emphasized the urgent need for ethical leadership, civic education, and institutional reforms.

Defining Corruption and Electoral Offences

Corruption, as defined under Ugandan law and international conventions, encompasses bribery, embezzlement, extortion, and abuse of power for personal gain. Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Act and electoral laws specifically recognise acts such as voter bribery, misinformation, personation, and other dishonest practices as criminal offences. These illicit activities undermine public trust and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

The Vulnerability of Uganda’s Youth

Young people are often targeted and exploited in corrupt electoral schemes due to high unemployment, economic hardship, and limited civic awareness. Many are enticed by promises from politicians or driven by survival instincts, often unwittingly becoming involved in bribery, election violence, and other malpractices. The lack of strict enforcement and civic education further heightens their vulnerability.

The Socio-Economic Consequences of Electoral Corruption

Electoral corruption has serious consequences for Ugandan youth, including loss of life, injuries, and long-term disabilities caused by election-related violence. It encourages political instability, poor service delivery, and a continual decline in democratic values. Corrupt electoral processes lead to unaccountable leaders, undermine human rights, and damage public trust in institutions—issues that hinder Uganda’s development and social cohesion.

Pathways to Reform

To address these challenges, the State House Anti-Corruption Office recommends several key reforms. First, promoting civic education is essential to ensure that young people are aware of their rights and responsibilities within the electoral process. Additionally, implementing robust oversight and enforcement mechanisms can effectively deter electoral malpractice. Empowering young people through economic initiatives and leadership training will further strengthen their resilience against corrupt influences. Finally, reinforcing legal frameworks to prevent individuals implicated in corruption from holding public office is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of elections and restoring public trust. Stakeholders are also encouraged to leverage government programmes aimed at uplifting youth, such as youth funds and entrepreneurship projects, while demanding transparency and accountability in resource allocation.

Conclusion

Ugandan society must reject corruption, promote transparency, and empower its youth to become advocates for integrity. Only through ethical leadership, effective education, and strong institutions can Uganda attain credible, peaceful, and fair elections, laying the groundwork for lasting democratic development.