President Paul Kagame has of recent been reminding his collaborators and other government officials the importance of discipline.

He even gave the same advice to members of the Political Bureau of his party, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi).

Discipline is a very important ingredient; be it in the social, economic or administrative world. It becomes extremely grave when it lacks in the financial world.

Many government officials have been put to task in the past, some for embezzling government funds. But we have been spared of the vice for the last few years only for it to resurface recently.

Sanctions for those who dip their fingers in public coffers should not stop at compelling the culprit to return the stolen goods and serving time behind bars.

The stolen amount to be returned should be multiplied several times to serve as an example and deterrent. The fruits of the population’s labour should not serve as a milking cow for those assigned to look over them.

This will only be averted if there is vigilance, discipline and accountability at every step of the way. Therefore, no quarter should be spared for dishonesty.