Writer: Gertrude Kamya Othieno. PHOTO/FILE
As we continue to mark International Aids Day, it is only fitting to cast our minds back nearly four decades to a time when Uganda, alongside the global community, faced one of the gravest threats to human life, HIV/Aids. The National Resistance Movement (NRM), newly in power, was thrust into a leadership role during this crisis. Under President Museveni, Uganda took bold steps: openly acknowledging the epidemic, galvanising communities, and launching the globally recognised ABC strategy (Abstinence, Be Faithful, condom Use). The stigma was confronted head-on, and a multi-sectoral approach brought together governments, civil society, faith-based organisations, and international partners.
Uganda became a beacon of hope, celebrated worldwide for its transparency, innovation, and community-driven response. The lesson? When a society acknowledges a problem, confronts it openly, and rallies its people, no challenge is insurmountable.
Fast forward to today, and Uganda is grappling with another scourge, corruption. Like HIV/Aids in the 1980s, corruption infiltrates every aspect of society, leaving no family or sector unaffected.
Corruption is not shrouded in silence, it is discussed openly in homes, workplaces, and public forums, both at home and abroad. Even authorities acknowledge its pervasiveness. Yet, unlike HIV/Aids, which was universally condemned, corruption has been normalised and, alarmingly, celebrated as a way of life. It is often associated with success and power, turning impunity into a badge of honour.
To overcome this challenge, we must collectively reframe how we view corruption. It should be seen as a societal disease, just like HIV/Aids, a force that destroys lives, stifles potential, and erodes communities. Only then can we rally against it with the same urgency and resolve.
While some may argue that a change of leadership is the ultimate solution, this view oversimplifies a deeper, systemic issue. Uganda’s problem with corruption is embedded in the fabric of society, perpetuated by cultural norms, weakened institutions, and a collective tolerance for impunity. Without addressing these root causes, any new administration risks inheriting the same cycle.
Healing must begin at the societal level. Just as HIV/Aids required behavioural changes, so too does corruption. We must confront the mindset that normalises greed, celebrates ill-gotten wealth, and excuses ethical lapses. This is not merely a political fight but a moral and cultural one, demanding honesty, integrity, and accountability from every citizen.
Corruption must be viewed as a societal pandemic with life-altering consequences, much like HIV/Aids. It is not a harmless shortcut to success but a force that robs lives and futures.
The fight against HIV/Aids succeeded because every Ugandan became a stakeholder. Similarly, we must empower communities to demand accountability and make corruption everyone’s concern.
Uganda's HIV campaigns used simple, relatable messages to educate people about prevention. A similar approach can instill values of integrity and expose the cost of corruption.
The fight against HIV/Aids brought together governments, NGOs, and international partners. The anti-corruption fight requires the same coalition to strengthen institutions and promote transparency.
Religious and cultural institutions were critical in HIV/Aids prevention. They can also help instill values of honesty, service, and community over selfish gain.
Let us celebrate Uganda’s victory over one of the greatest health crises in human history. But let us also take inspiration from that fight to confront today’s most pervasive scourge. Just as HIV/Aids touched every Ugandan and required every Ugandan to act, so too does corruption.
This is a call to action, for those at home, those in the diaspora, and those in positions of power. Uganda overcame one pandemic before; it can do so again. The question is, are we ready to heal ourselves as a society?
Ms Gertrude Kamya Othieno, Political Sociologist in Social
Development Alumna - London School of Economics and Political
Science [email protected]
