By Max Patrick Ocaido
Anti-corruption agencies have named and awarded Uganda’s most incorruptible public servants who have served this country with integrity and utmost consistency.
The awarding ceremony took place on Wednesday night during the National Integrity Awards 2019 that took place at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.
The National Integrity Awards is organized by Action Aid Uganda in partnership with the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity, Transparency International and Anti-Corruption Coalition of Uganda and funded by the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF).
During the awards that covered all regions of the country, 13 nominees including 4 MPs were among the finalists who all took home accolades for their outstanding performance in the fight against corruption in the various portfolios they hold.
Uma Charles Okot, CAO Lamwo emerged the overall winner of the 2019 National Integrity Awards while Bernard Eumu, LCV for Ngora district in Teso sub-region emerged the 1st runner up.
The overall winner, Uma Charles Okot is said to have managed public funds with integrity especially the veteran funds. He is also said to have improved service delivery in his district and improved the working relationship between Local Government and Civil Society Organizations.
The other top 3 winners are; Nakato Tawuba, Female Youth Councilor, Luweero TC, Abul Paul, an economist and retired teacher from Karamoja and Makitula Kitunzi, a senior gynecologist at Hoima Referral Hospital.
Four MPs were among the finalists and also bagged accolades for their specific roles in promoting integrity and fighting corruption in their constituencies.
The MPs are; Connie Galiwango, Mbale Woman MP, Hellen Adoa, Serere Woman MP, Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, Kyotera County MP and Paul Lutamaguzi, Nakaseke South MP.
According to the ActionAid Country Director Xavier Ejoyi, the nomination process was conducted across the country with partnerships from different organizations in the region.
“The criteria used to pick the nominees were based on the specific actions of integrity, honesty, moral courage, consistency and sustainability in applying values of integrity and influence in society,” Ejoyi said.
Ankole and Rwenzori region didn't have nominees because they did not return nomination forms on time.
The top 13 finalists include; Prof. Joy Kwesiga, vice-chancellor, Kabale University, Fr. Gaetano Batanyenda, Eng Canon Mbabazi Batuma, Director Voice of Kigezi, Prof George Kanyeihamba, former Supreme Court judge, George Mutabazi, LC5 chairperson Lwengo.
Others are; Nasser Bbira, MIRAC, John Sseguja, Child Welfare Development Initiative, David Mugabi, Jane Nakiwala, Wamala Haruna, Fr. Ifeanyi Chibuzo, Joseph Ojiambo, Harriet Mwesigwa, Ruth Namusaabi, Olivia Kirabira, Catherine Mirembe, Betty Apiding, Francesca Koli, Robert Abak, Steven Olebe, Kalonxo Pimundu, Obitre Gama, Ker Unen Gayo, Dr. Patrick Odong and Ben Otim Ogwette, CAO Lira
