President Museveni must walk the talk on criminal gangs in his government

In recent statements, President Yoweri Museveni has voiced deep concerns about the rampant corruption that has infiltrated the very fabric of our government.

His claims of criminal gangs influencing contracts and compromising intelligence services are alarming and warrant immediate action. However, mere acknowledgment of these issues is not enough.

It is time for the president to walk the talk and take decisive action against corruption that has plagued Uganda for decades. For ordinary Ugandans, the implications of this corruption are dire.

When the president admits that the government system has collapsed, it raises a fundamental question: how can the average citizen navigate a landscape where public service no longer serves its intended purpose?

The pervasive corruption has eroded trust in institutions, leaving many feeling powerless and vulnerable. The president’s claims of officers being bribed to manipulate communications with him highlight a systemic failure that cannot be ignored.

If the very channels meant to facilitate governance are compromised, who will advocate for the citizens? The troubling reality is that those seeking help from the government are often extorted, with reports of individuals being charged exorbitant sums just to have their voices heard.

This is a betrayal of the public trust. While the president has indicated that some corrupt officials have been arrested, we must ask: why has this been allowed to continue for so long?

The same institutions that have failed to uphold integrity are now being called upon to rectify the situation. The Internal Security Organization (ISO) and the District Security Organization (DISO) have both been criticized for their ineffectiveness.

This raises an urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of our security and intelligence agencies. Moreover, the president’s reliance on his daughter, Natasha Karugire, to act as a clearing officer in this chaotic environment raises questions about nepotism and transparency.

While it may be necessary to streamline the process, the optics of such a decision can further alienate the public, who already feel marginalized. To reclaim a functioning government that serves its people, we urge President Museveni to adopt a more aggressive stance against corruption.

The President needs to empower institutions like the Inspectorate of Government to operate independently and effectively. They must have the resources and authority to investigate and prosecute corruption without fear or favor.

The President need to protect and incentivize whistleblowers who expose corruption. Creating a safe environment for reporting can help uncover the depth of corruption and bring wrongdoers to justice.

However, the president must lead by example, demonstrating zero tolerance for corruption within his administration. This includes taking swift action against any officials implicated in corrupt activities, regardless of their rank or position.

President Museveni has long maintained that he is committed to fighting corruption, but actions speak louder than words. The time for rhetoric has passed; now is the moment for bold and effective measures. If the president wishes to leave a legacy of integrity, he must act decisively to restore the public’s faith in government.

Failure to do so will inevitably tarnish his legacy and further entrench the very corruption he seeks to eradicate. The people of Uganda deserve a system that serves them, not one that exploits them.

It is time for the president to take the lead in cleansing our institutions of corruption and restoring the rule of law. The future of our nation depends on it.

President akoze atya? 😂😂😂😂

After staying at the helm for 40 years, @KagutaMuseveni declares that the system is dead #BakozeBatya pic.twitter.com/6A7ztsH365

— Dr. Bireete Sarah (@SarahBireete) August 10, 2025