The report from the Directorate of Ethics has indicated that the members of the public have lost trust in service delivery in the country. The report, based on extensive surveys and assessments, suggests that a growing number of citizens no longer have confidence in the delivery and integrity of various services provided by the government and other entities. The report was released over the weekend by the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity during the meeting with different stakeholders from the Rwenzori region in Fort portal.
The meeting sought to assess the extent of how the country is implementing the zero tolerance to corruption policy and evaluate on the progress made so far in fighting it. The report attributes this erosion of trust to a combination of factors, including perceived corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency in service delivery mechanisms. Nicholus Abola, the commissioner in charge of communication and information at the directorate of ethics and integrity stated that the results of this report are deeply concerning saying the government’s ability to provide essential services has reached an alarming low.
According to Abola, this erosion of trust can have far-reaching consequences on the social fabric and the overall well-being of the communities. The report pointed out cases of bribery, nepotism, and other forms of corruption to be the greatest factors hindering fair access to public services. In addition to corruption, the report also highlights concerns about the inefficiency and lack of accountability within government agencies, delays in service provision, bureaucratic hurdles, and a perceived lack of responsiveness to citizens’ needs were cited as key issues leading to the loss of trust.
Law enforcement agencies also came under scrutiny, with allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and a lack of transparency leading to a decline in trust. The report indicated that citizens often feel that reporting instances of corruption within these agencies is futile, further exacerbating the issue. However, the report recommends implementing of robust anti-corruption measures by having anti-corruption court sessions at the regional level, enhancing transparency in service delivery, and improving the overall efficiency of government agencies.
