Rwanda Leads East Africa in Corruption Fight As Uganda Stagnates
Uganda’s score has remained unchanged for three consecutive years, despite ongoing efforts to combat corruption, highlighting a troubling trend as the nation approaches the 2025 elections, where corruption concerns are expected to intensify.
Rwanda emerged as the top performer in East Africa on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), securing a score of 57%, while Uganda lagged behind with a stagnant score of 26%.
Uganda’s score has remained unchanged for three consecutive years, despite ongoing efforts to combat corruption, highlighting a troubling trend as the nation approaches the 2025 elections, where corruption concerns are expected to intensify.
Tanzania followed closely behind with a score of 41%, while other East African nations showed mixed results.
Kenya earned a score of 27%, reflecting continued challenges in tackling corruption. Burundi and South Sudan were among the lower scorers, with both countries grappling with significant corruption issues, contributing to the region’s ongoing struggle with graft.
Peter Wandera, executive director of Transparency International Uganda (TIU), expressed frustration with Uganda’s persistent low score.
“Despite deploying several anti-corruption agencies, some based within the office of the presidency, the country remains hampered by systemic corruption,” Wandera stated.
“These efforts have yet to produce the desired results, and it is clear that stronger political will and institutional reform are necessary.”
The report reveals a broader regional and global concern, as Sub-Saharan Africa scored an average of just 33%, with 90% of the 43 countries scoring below 50%.
Rwanda’s strong performance, though commendable, has sparked calls from activists for systemic changes across the continent to curb corruption effectively.
With the 2025 elections on the horizon, anti-corruption advocates have voiced concerns about a potential increase in corruption, particularly around electoral spending.
“Corruption has become normalized,” said Marlon Agaba, Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU). “New tactics are needed to address election-related graft, which is likely to escalate further.”
Adrine Musiime, a climate change activist, also highlighted the impact of corruption on other urgent issues such as climate change.
“Africa needs an estimated 2.8 trillion USD to tackle climate change. Corruption is draining resources that could be better invested in these critical challenges,” she noted.
Experts are urging Uganda to refocus its anti-corruption efforts by reinstating institutional checks and ensuring greater independence for anti-graft agencies.
“To reverse this trend, Uganda must create an environment that allows anti-corruption stakeholders to work effectively,” Wandera concluded.
As the region continues to confront corruption, the 2024 CPI serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead for Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African nations as they strive for improved governance and transparency.
