Corruption: Redefining the abnormal as normal through mindset change

This essay draws from lived experiences, observations, and anecdotal accounts of corruption in Uganda. While the descriptions here are reflective of personal and societal observations, it is essential to carry out an extensive study to validate these claims and develop a broader, evidence-based definition of corruption in Uganda.

In Uganda today, corruption is not just a crime, it is a way of life. The education sector, once seen as a path to meritocracy, has been tarnished by corrupt practices. Bright children frequently miss out on places in good schools not because of academic shortcomings, but due to their families’ inability to pay bribes.

At the higher education level, students routinely pay lecturers to write essays and even dissertations, turning what should be a transformative academic journey into a transactional process. Education, which ought to be a beacon of hope and equality, has instead become another avenue where the corrupt thrive, denying opportunities to deserving individuals. 

The transport sector offers no respite. On Ugandan roads, traffic wardens are often more concerned with collecting kitu kidogo than enforcing road safety laws. Drivers without licenses can navigate the roads with ease as long as they can pay off the right people. This not only endangers lives but normalises the idea that rules exist only for those who cannot afford to break them. 

Healthcare, a sector that should prioritise saving lives, is similarly afflicted. Heart-wrenching stories abound about mothers losing their newborns simply because they cannot afford to bribe healthcare workers to assist during labour. It is not uncommon to hear of demands for sums as high as Shs100,000 to help a mother deliver her baby, a stark reminder of how deeply corruption undermines Uganda’s healthcare system and the sanctity of human life.

The workplace is another epicentre of corruption. From the cleaner to the top executive, many employees see their jobs as opportunities to "eat" from the system. Government offices, in particular, have become breeding grounds for this mindset, where services that should be freely available to citizens are instead held hostage to demands for bribes. This culture of exploitation leaves the most vulnerable members of society without access to essential services.

Even places of worship are not immune. Congregants with larger tithes often receive preferential treatment, eroding the moral authority of religious institutions. 

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of Uganda’s corruption crisis is the impact on the younger generation. Many young people have grown up in an environment where abnormal people have become normal. They witness corruption at every turn and are taught, directly or indirectly, that success comes not through hard work or merit but through manipulation and dishonesty. 

Even more disheartening is the suspicion that now pervades Ugandan society. People have grown increasingly distrustful of one another, often assuming that their neighbours, colleagues, or leaders are corrupt or criminally inclined. This pervasive mistrust not only strains relationships but also weakens the social bonds necessary for collective action against corruption. In a society where suspicion reigns, collaboration becomes difficult, and cynicism replaces hope.

The normalisation of corruption in Uganda has eroded the rule of law, compromised the quality of public services, and created a society where trust in institutions is at an all-time low. It has also deepened inequality, as the poorest are disproportionately affected by systems that demand money or connections to access even the most basic services.

The political elite in Uganda are well aware of the corruption that exists within the country. However, their understanding of the gravity of the problem is limited by the vast disparities between the haves and the have-nots. These leaders do not personally experience the poor services that most Ugandans face daily, as they can afford to bypass these challenges and access better alternatives. This disconnect has led to policies that fail to address the widespread corruption that plagues ordinary citizens and public institutions.

To address this crisis, Uganda must first acknowledge the systemic nature of corruption and redefine it in a way that captures its all-encompassing grip on society. Beyond the traditional focus on bribery and embezzlement, the definition must include the exploitation of systems, the misuse of power, and the creation of environments where the abnormal becomes normal. Above all, there is an urgent need for mindset change to confront and challenge the pervasive acceptance of corruption as part of life.

In conclusion, the fight against corruption is not just about changing systems. It is about changing mindsets and reclaiming the moral fabric of our society. Ciao

Ms Gertrude Kamya Othieno is a political sociologist in social development.
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