Corruption in Africa continues to be a major impediment to development. It is recognized as one of the most pressing governance and development challenges that Africa is confronted with today (UNECA, AGRI 2005). Corruption is known to have a negative impact on the growth and distribution of income. East Africa as a region is also known to have high levels of corruption which have greatly affected service delivery. It is evident that corruption affects the poor disproportionately, undermines state accountability and capacity to provide equitable and responsible public services and the ability of countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
The citizens of East Africa are generally aware of the evils of corruption but a lot still needs to be done to change their attitudes. The anti-corruption agencies have used different approaches to create awareness on the evils and dangers of corruption in their respective countries. However, anti-corruption efforts require the participation of all stakeholders to be able to appreciate the dynamics of fighting the vice, especially when the rule of law has to be upheld.
The National Anti-Corruption agencies of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda derive their mandates from the national Constitutions of each of their countries. The Special Brigade Anti-Corruption of Burundi and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau of the United Republic of Tanzania derive their mandates from Law No.1/12 of 18 April 2006 and the PCCB Act, No.11 of 2007, respectively. There are variations in the mandates of the Anti-Corruption Institutions. However, there is no doubt that all the institutions are characterized with a three pronged mandates of investigations, prevention and education. It is also evident that these anti-corruption institutions are independent of the other branches of government in executing their duties and are only required to make periodical reports to parliament or an equivalent body, in their home states.
This Public Awareness and Communication Strategy in the member countries of EAAACA, is meant to effectively and efficiently raise public awareness on the evils of corruption by promoting and inculcating the desired values necessary in building a positive attitude that supports the fight against corruption. It is anticipated that this awareness strategy will engender public support for the work done by anti-corruption agencies in each of the East African Countries.
Irene Mulyagonja Kakooza
President EAAACA
