In Uganda, corruption has seeped into every corner of society, transforming from a mere societal ill into a seemingly inescapable cultural norm.
It’s not confined to the realms of politics or the dealings of the elite; it permeates daily life in ways both subtle and overt.
From children innocently mimicking bribery in their games to adults navigating life through under-the-table deals, the practice of corruption has become so entrenched that it feels almost natural, an unspoken rule of survival and success.
We are all, in some way, both perpetrators and victims of this system. Whether it’s the small bribes paid to expedite a service, or the gifts exchanged to secure a favor, these actions have become woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Everyone, from the highest official to the ordinary citizen, is caught in this web. As perpetrators, we contribute to sustaining the system; as victims, we suffer from the inefficiencies, inequalities, and injustices it perpetuates.
This dual role underscores the complexity of the issue, revealing that corruption is not just a problem of governance but a deep-seated cultural challenge that affects all layers of society.
The seeds of corruption are planted early. It begins innocently enough, with children playing games that mirror the realities they observe around them.
One afternoon, I watched through my window as children played a game of “daddy driving them to school.” The scenario took a familiar yet unsettling turn when their play was interrupted by an imaginary policeman demanding “tea” money before allowing them to proceed.
This simple game highlights a disturbing truth: bribery has become so normalized that even our youngest are growing up to see it as a regular part of life.
As these children grow, they encounter a society where greasing palms becomes a necessary means to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, gain access to essential services, and even secure basic rights.
The normalization of corruption extends beyond childhood, becoming a pervasive reality that shapes how individuals interact with every level of society.
It’s a cycle that perpetuates itself, blurring the lines between necessity and morality, and leaving a trail of ethical erosion in its wake.
Take our education sector.
Our education system is a microcosm of corruption
Corruption in the education sector is a stark example of how deep-rooted this issue has become in Ugandan society.
The kind of corruption that often makes headlines involves the elite—those who are educated and hold positions of influence.
But how did we get there? Those who would be a beacon for our country are the ones who are guilty.
Could it be that this issue permeates every level of the education system, starting from pre-primary school.
Public education is officially free, yet countless parents find themselves paying bribes to secure their children’s admission into schools or to ensure they receive proper attention and pass exams.
A parent once lamented to me about the need to pay extra fees just to get their child into one of the government primary schools in Kampala.
This practice not only undermines the integrity of the education system but also teaches children that corruption is a necessary tool for success.
Parents are often cornered into these situations, but there are also those who actively seek to ensure their children get ahead by any means necessary.
This mindset starts the journey of corruption in a child’s life from an early age. It sets a precedent that bribery and unethical behavior are acceptable if they lead to success.
The issue extends beyond the classroom.
Recently, during a school campaign season, we marveled at the lengths to which parents went to ensure their children won school elections.
This often involved offering gifts and other incentives to sway votes, a direct reenactment of our broader political landscape.
It’s troubling to see children being conditioned to believe that success is tied to one’s ability to buy support.
Such practices are deeply rooted in our society, and we cannot escape the consequences when we cultivate these behaviors from a young age.
Every year, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) releases results for Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), O-Level, and A-Level exams, often accompanied by reports of cheating.
There are schools that guarantee their students will achieve top grades, raising the question: How can they guarantee this without engaging in dishonest practices?
The cheating involves multiple actors, including UNEB officials who leak exam papers, schools that purchase these leaked papers, parents who fund the acquisition of these papers, and students who use them to pass exams.
In university settings, academic dishonesty takes many forms. I’ve witnessed students passing answers to each other during exams and instances where individuals were caught taking exams on behalf of others.
The stories of students exchanging sexual favors with lecturers for marks are not myths. While cases where lecturers coerce students into these situations are more publicized, many incidents involve students initiating these exchanges.
Additionally, plagiarism is rampant, even at the highest levels of academia.
The long-term impact of these experiences is that they shape individuals who view unethical practices as normal and necessary for success.
It is no wonder that products of such a system go on to engage in corruption in other areas of life, perpetuating the cycle.
If we wonder why our society struggles with corruption at every level, we must look at the early seeds sown in the education system.
Without addressing these foundational issues, we will continue to see a generation that views corruption not as a problem to be solved, but as a way of life.
By addressing these issues head-on, we can begin dismantling the culture of corruption in Uganda.
It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders—parents, educators, students, and policymakers—to instill values of integrity and honesty from the earliest stages of education.
Only then can we hope to see a significant shift in the broader societal mindset toward corruption.