Elite Corruption and Politics in Uganda

Abstract

We consider the nature of high-level state corruption in Uganda under the NRM. We discuss why elite corruption has occurred, what forms it has taken as well as why attempts to control it have proven so limited. We argue that high-level corruption has enabled the government to cement the loyalty of individual state leaders as well as to mobilise political support for maintaining the regime in power. Because corruption has underpinned support for the government, NRM leaders have done little to combat it. International donors have focused on economic rather than political or governance issues in their assistance to Uganda. They have plied a corrupt and semi-authoritarian regime with large amounts of resources. Donor ability to confront corruption remains minimal because of their reluctance to use aid in the cause of good governance.