Anti-Corruption Week begins today

By: Edwin Musoni

Deputy Ombudsman in charge of preventing corruption Clement Musangabatware and other officials of the public watchdog during the media briefing in Kigali on Thursday. (Timothy Kisambira)

As Rwanda today marks the beginning of the Anti-Corruption Week, citizens have been urged to reflect on the corruption fight and its contribution toward self-reliance, officials at the Office of the Ombudsman said yesterday.

Starting during today’s countrywide meetings after community work (Umuganda), Rwandans are invited to discuss the advantages of living in a corruption-free society.
Jeanne Pauline Gashumba, in charge of preventing corruption and other related offences at the Office of the Ombudsman, told a news briefing yesterday that this year’s theme is in line with what Rwandans need—end of poverty, and self-reliance.
“Self-reliance is possible in a corruption-free country. A society without corruption attracts investors,” she told journalists.
Rwanda remains one of the least corrupt countries in the world, a reputation that has earned the country great trust from both private businesses and development partners.
According to a Corruption Perception Index released last year by non-profit Transparency International, Rwanda ranks the fourth least corrupt country on the African continent.
“We believe the perceptions reflect our anti-corruption efforts in the country,” said Clément Musangabatware, the deputy Ombudsman in charge of fighting corruption.

A signage encouraging the public to report corruption cases in Kigali. (John Mbanda.)

The official said the country’s anti-corruption stance had been enabled by the political will among leaders to build a law-abiding country.
“No one is above the law in our country. Every person who is convicted of corruption faces the wrath of the law,” he said.
During the campaign which starts  today and ends on December 9, different activities have been organised to sensitise citizens about the consequences of corruption.
The activities include radio talk shows, focus group discussions with the youth about what they believe is the major cause of corruption, and football matches among major football teams in the country such as APR, Police FC, Rayon Sports, and AS Kigali.
The week will be concluded with a ceremony to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day that falls on December 9.
Officials at the Office of the Ombudsman said anti-corruption campaigns in the country such as the Anti-Corruption Week have resulted in more Rwandans reporting corruption cases.
Musangabatware cautioned members of the public against giving bribes, and instead report corruption cases.