MPs pessimistic about upcoming corruption bill

Members of Parliament have expressed doubts over the ability over the upcoming Anti Corruption Bill 2008 to fight the scourges of embezzlement, bribery, abuse of office and influence peddling where already existing laws have failed.

This was during a discussion on the Bill in Kampala where it was observed that the lack of political will to fight corruption is the main obstacle to overcoming it. Senior Reporter Peter Ntimba has more;

The object of the Anti Corruption Bill 2008 is to provide for more effectual prevention of corruption in both the public and private sectors.

It would also give the Inspector General of Government and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions special investigation powers, ensure the protection of informers and provide for confiscation of property derived directly of indirectly from corruption.

At the discussion organized by the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption under the auspices of the USAID Linkages Program, MPs were skeptical about the possibility of attitudinal change towards corruption.

If passed in its present form, the Anti Corruption Bill will join a list of anti-graft legislation such as the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Leadership Code.