Arresting corrupt officials not enough, sell their property to recover stolen funds- Says Maruzi North MP Benard Otim.
BY OKIDI PATRICK
KAMPALA, UGANDA
Maruzi North MP Hon. Bernard Otim has called on government to start auctioning properties belonging to corrupt local government officials as a tougher measure to recover stolen public funds.
Addressing the issue of corruption and accountability, Otim said the current approach of arresting and later releasing corrupt officials without recovering the money has failed to end the vice.
“Arresting corrupt officials alone will not solve the problem. Government must also focus on recovering the stolen money and public resources,” MP Otim said.
The vibrant Maruzi North legislator, urgued that once properties acquired through corruption are sold off and the money reverted to government, it would send a strong signal and deter others from misusing public resources.
He challenged anti-corruption agencies to go beyond arrests and ensure that those who misuse public funds are fully held accountable and that the stolen money is recovered for the benefit of citizens.
Hon. Otim’s remarks come at a time when Parliament and the Inspectorate of Government have raised concern over rampant corruption in local governments, with several district officials implicated in mismanagement of Parish Development Model and other government programs.
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