Local organisation in anti-corruption drive

Nyanza — A local non-profit making organisation has joined a campaign meant to sensitise local residents on the dangers of corruption in the development of the country. The Amayaga Integrated Project for Development (AIPD) seeks to create awareness among the local community and bring them to take measures against the vice. For the objective to be attained, AIPD plans to organise training and discussion sessions for local leaders and residents. An anti-corruption youth club was also set up to reach a large number of people. The Organisation in conjunction with the Office of the Ombudsman are also looking into ways of being involved in solving corruption and injustice related cases at the local levels instead of taking them to the Ombudsman. According to Celestin Nzaramba, the Executive Secretary of AIPD, the society needs to rid itself of the vices for development. “Corruption and injustice are serious challenges to development. Since residents are the ones who bribe or are corrupted, they need to know their rights, responsibilities and which measures to take for the vices to be eliminated,” Nzaramba said. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the organisation together with the Office of the Ombudsman organised a two-day training workshop for local leaders at the village level in Busoro sector. The function aimed at raising awareness about corruption and injustice. “Leaders are supposed to work in the interest of the community and protect residents. But once they start asking for bribes or commit unfair acts, the society suffers,” Nzaramba noted. “We want to appeal to their reason and we do expect positive change over the upcoming years.” According to the Office of the Ombudsman, local leaders are the most corrupt in society. Some local leaders, especially at cell and village level, have attempted to justify the behaviour, arguing they are not paid for their efforts. However, Joseph Kajangwe, an official from the Office of the Ombudsman, says there is no justification for the vice. “You cannot claim to have asked for a bribe because you are not paid. There are even people who are well paid, but are still found in corruption scams. Local leaders are volunteers, and they knew it before they sought to be elected. Only the lack of decency and honesty can explain such conduct,” Kajangwe observed. Ends