Why 'we listen but we don't judge' is wrong

By now you must have watched an ongoing Tiktok challenge dubbed, "we listen but we don't judge." Some of the content creators are seen confessing long-held "secrets" that make some of us drop our jaws; from stealing a spouse's money to cheating on them with best friends and so on. The truth is that we all listen but decide not to respond, that does not mean we do not judge. Now, imagine a defiler, using the same challenge, tells you that he is the suspect who aggravatedly defiled your toddler many years ago and then he asks you to listen but don't judge. Are you sure you will just listen and not take legal action in fear of not being seen as judgemental?

In Uganda, corruption and human rights abuses are not merely societal issues, they are systemic crises undermining the nation’s potential. The phrase “we listen, we don’t judge” encapsulates a dangerous complacency, signaling an unwillingness to confront deeply rooted societal and governance failures. While listening can foster understanding, it becomes a hollow gesture if not followed by accountability and action.

 Uganda’s corruption epidemic has reached catastrophic levels. According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the country scored a dismal 26 out of 100, placing it among the 30 most corrupt nations globally. This stagnation reflects entrenched weaknesses in judicial systems, political interference, and inadequate law enforcement mechanisms.

 Notable scandals like the 2023 "iron sheets scandal," where relief materials meant for Karamoja Sub-region were diverted by high-ranking officials, are glaring examples of impunity. Compounding this, ghost workers siphon off an estimated 18 to 53 billion Ugandan shillings annually from public coffers, depriving the rest of us of resources desperately needed for education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

 Despite a plethora of anti-corruption agencies, such as the Inspectorate of Government and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, their effectiveness is undermined by lack of independence and political interference. The result is a governance landscape where investigations are frequent, but convictions are rare, enabling another cycle of impunity. Saying we should listen to all these and not judge is akin to disarming a soldier who is staring at an enemy on a battlefront. 

 The governance crisis extends to Uganda’s appalling human rights record. The suppression of dissent, harassment of journalists, and criminalisation of sexual minorities, among others, paint a grim picture of a state failing to uphold its constitutional mandate of equality and freedom. The intersection of corruption and human rights violations is evident in Uganda’s judicial system, where compromised institutions fail to protect the most vulnerable. Without accountability, human rights abuses persist unchecked, deepening societal inequalities.

 I am not here to police anyone's morals but the phrase “we listen but we don’t judge” risks becoming a smokescreen for inaction. While it advocates for empathy, it must not justify indifference to the suffering caused by corruption and rights violations. True listening requires moral courage, not only to hear grievances but also to judge, act, and rectify injustices. 

 We must demonstrate this courage by strengthening the independence of anti-corruption and judicial bodies. This includes increasing transparency in public spending, ensuring sustained whistleblower protection, and prosecuting high-profile offenders to deter future misconduct. Reforming the judicial system to prioritise integrity and fairness is essential to restore public trust.

 The impact of inaction is evident in Uganda’s perceived stunted progress. As earlier indicated, corruption siphons off resources that could otherwise transform education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Human rights abuses create a climate of fear, stifling innovation and societal growth. Together, these crises perpetuate cycles of poverty, inequality, and mistrust that hinder our national development.

 As Uganda faces mounting domestic and international scrutiny, we must recognise that listening alone is insufficient. We must commit to judging right from wrong and acting decisively to address the root causes of corruption and human rights violations. The true measure of leadership lies in the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and work tirelessly to correct them.

 Fellow Ugandans, the hope for a just and equitable society hinges on breaking these cycles of corruption and impunity. By transitioning from passive listening to active accountability, we can lay the foundation for a future where integrity prevails, human rights are respected, and the nation’s immense potential is realised. When this whole social media challenge and fun is done, we should get serious and know that listening is the beginning, but judging—and acting—is the path to transformation towards the level of development we admire from other countries. 

Johnson Mayamba, journalist. X:@banziyanga [email protected]