NRM supporters launch crusade to fight corruption
Some of the members of GEMACO during an inaugural meeting on Sunday. PHOTO | NOELINE NABUKENYA
What you need to know:
- The alliance, comprising over 400 members, including bush war veterans and NRM cadres, aims to ensure effective service delivery and oversee government program implementation
A group of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters has formed the Grassroots Community Development Monitoring Alliance (GECOMA) to assist President Museveni in fighting corruption at the grassroots level.
The alliance, comprising over 400 members, including bush war veterans and NRM cadres, aims to ensure effective service delivery and oversee government program implementation.
According to Lt (rtd) Enock Serwadda, a bush war veteran and advisor to GECOMA, the group was formed after conducting research that revealed rampant corruption among civil servants.
"Our team did research and found out that corruption is still at its peak among civil servants," he said. "We hope with the support from the government led by President Museveni, we shall be able to have a corruption-free country."
GECOMA's objectives include identifying and reporting corruption, ensuring effective service delivery, and overseeing government program implementation.
The alliance will work closely with existing government agencies, including the police, courts of law, State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Inspectorate of Government, Resident District/City Commissioners, and Chief Administrative Officers.
Lt. Serwadda emphasised that the group is voluntary, with no expectation of pay, driven by patriotic spirit.
"We went into the bush war without pay, and we were able to fight and overthrow rebels of the Obote government," he said. "We vow to use the same tactics to have all corrupt officials brought to book."
The alliance has already garnered support from prominent NRM figures, including Ms Jane Babiiha Balisemeera, NRM Electoral Commissioner, and Mr Ham Kamuntu, a strong NRM cadre. Mr Kamuntu advised the group to document evidence of corruption and promised to deliver the report to President Museveni.
GECOMA's secretary general, Mr Richard Nabigunda, a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, said the alliance is a national not-for-profit organization focused on addressing critical grassroots challenges, including poverty, unemployment, service delivery gaps, corruption, and limited awareness of government programs.
The alliance plans to hold door-to-door campaigns, community dialogues, and empowerment programs for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Mr. Richard Mwesigye, the chairperson of GECOMA, said the initiative aims to restore lost support for NRM over corruption.
"We are identifying key areas where selfish individual persons have failed, and the public is shifting the blame to the ruling party," he said. "Let all of them be eliminated, and we begin a new chapter that will deliver services to our people."
Corruption cases were raised by members, including allegations of bribery in recruitment processes and manipulation of government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Mr Isa Nsubuga, GECOMA coordinator in Masaka Sub region, said PDM beneficiaries are often charged money to access funds, and selection processes are biased.
"The people in charge of selecting beneficiaries first select their family members, and at the end, charge money from non-family members before accessing this money," he said.
The alliance seeks to eliminate corruption and ensure government programs reach intended beneficiaries. Youth spokesperson Robert Gumisiriza emphasized the need to mobilize grassroots support to remove politics from socio-economic transformation programs.
"Many youth have not benefited from PDM and Emyooga due to politicisation," he said. "Through my leadership, I am willing to mobilize grassroots to remove politics from these programs."
GECOMA will officially be launched by President Museveni in July, marking a significant step towards addressing corruption and ensuring effective service delivery at the grassroots level.
