African legislators commit to end corruption

Africa Legislators have signed the Kampala Declaration 2018, with a commitment to devise and apply effective strategies to end corruption.

The MPs meeting under the auspices of the African Organization of Public Account Committees (AFROPAC) resolved to analyse whether existing instruments, effective policies and legislation are in place to fight corruption in all spheres of the public and private sector for sound and efficient use of public money.

The African oversight body agreed to fill in the gaps by implementing policies that prevent the laundering of the proceeds of corruption and illicit financial flows. The legislators also resolved to promote legislation on public disclosure of assets.

The resolutions were presented by the Secretary General of AFROPAC who is also the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of the Kenyan Parliament, Hon. James Opiyo Wandayi on Thursday, 22 November 2018 in Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo.

The legislators also committed to promote mobilization of domestic resources in order to reduce the need for external debt by considering the economic impact of public investments and utilization of natural resources.

They noted that corruption, illicit financial flows and rising debt obligations are threats to the continent’s future and are major risks for sound and developmental public financial management.

The Acting Chairperson AFROPAC who is also the Chairperson of the Uganda Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Angelline Osegge urged the legislators to act on the Kampala Declaration as a commitment to ending corruption on the continent.

“We may recall from the opening remarks of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Jacob Oulanyah that ‘thieves have become smarter’. We must be aware and be able to work smarter as well and restore confidence among our people,” said Osegge.

The 3rd Annual General AFROPAC meeting and symposium was held under the theme, “One Voice for Public Accounts Committees and Similar Committees in Managing Public Debts and Fighting Corruption”.

The symposium was attended by representatives of Parliament Public Accounts Committees from 16 African countries including; Cameroon, Liberia, Mali, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malwai. Others are; Botswana, South Sudan, Namibia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Eqypt and Zambia.