The national anti-corruption week will focus on educating and sensitising the public specifically the youth to actively become involved in the fight against graft. The Chief Ombudsman, Aloysia Cyanzaire, yesterday said that involving the youth in the campaign would serve a purpose. She made the remarks during a press briefing to highlight the various activities that will be carried out through the week. “Involving the young generation will build a strong foundation that will not only educate the youth about the negative effects of corruption on the individual and the country,” Cyanzaire said. The week that will be launched at the national level in Gisagara District, Southern Province will start on the December 5 with visits to different districts including Nyabihu, Kamonyi and Bugesera to review progress. During the week, there will be sensitisation campaigns to encourage the public to play a key role in preventing corruption. Cyanzaire explained that the decision to launch the event in Gisagara District is due to the outstanding commitment the district had demonstrated in good governance. Last year, Gisagara District emerged winner among other districts in the fourth annual good governance competition that was organised by the Office of the Ombudsman as part of several activities organised during the 2011 anti-corruption week. “We need the same spirit that will enable us to build a corruption free nation, and this will eventually speed-up our development programmes,” she said. Officials at the Ombudsman`s Office say that despite government’s commitment and achievements in fighting graft, one of the key challenges frustrating the campaign is fear and failure by the public to testify or provide evidence against culprits. The week will end on the December 9, which is the International Anti-Corruption Day. Officials will also educate stakeholders and the general public on the need to testify against such cases. The last day will see various stakeholders meet at Kigali Serena Hotel to seek for strategies to fight against the vice.
