The Rise of Systemic Corruption in Uganda: Strategic Interventions for Public Sector Managers

Purpose: This paper examined the rise of systemic corruption, the engagement in walks-against-corruption, the alternative carrot and stick as well as the observable challenges facing Uganda. Methods and design: This study adopted a desk review of obtainable experiential and theoretical works on digital revolution in Uganda and other countries of the world. Desk research is essentially the gathering of information from available sources. Findings: The paper indicates that in Uganda, reforms may be both home-grown and supported or initiated by donors and some have direct anti-corruption focus, others not. Further, the four pillars of public finance management approach to systemic corruption are: prevention, detection, deterrence, and behavior change. Also, walks-against-corruption face a number of challenges and or limitations including limited policy impact as WAC impact on policy reforms was limited, Deficiency of sustained momentum as their momentum was not sustained, and anti-corruption efforts fizzled out; and political will as the political will and implementation gaps hindered the walks-against-corruption’s effectiveness Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The results of this study suggest the need for enhanced public sector accountability and better value for money are significant for an effective governance system. To thwart corruption, using carrots, there must be protections and incentives for whistleblowers to come forward without fear of retaliation. Likewise, the government should focus on protecting anti-corruption activists, developing oversight capabilities to fight corruption among foreign partners, and partnering with governments to offer consistency and risk analysis across its foreign assistance programs.