ACC The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is saddened and deeply concerned by remarks attributed to the outgoing Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Alex Katakwe, during his farewell address delivered on Thursday last week. In the reported remarks, the outgoing Minister suggested that there was nothing wrong with public officials receiving “something for talk time” from members of the public for services rendered, describing such acts as appreciation.
The Commission wishes to categorically state that the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012
clearly defines corruption as the soliciting, accepting, obtaining, giving, promising, or offering of gratification by way of a bribe or any other personal inducement or temptation. In this context, gratification refers to any corrupt payment, whether in cash or kind, other than a casual gift.
The Act further provides guidance on what constitutes a casual gift, stating that such a gift must be conventional, unsolicited, of modest value, seasonal in nature, and not connected to the performance of official duties.
The Commission therefore, wishes to remind the outgoing Minister of Health that a bribe may often be disguised as a gift or token of appreciation after a favour or service has been rendered. Consequently, the remarks attributed to Hon. Dr. Katakwe are unfortunate, as they have the potential to encourage public officials to accept rewards in exchange for services rendered to members of the public, an act that contravenes the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.
The Commission further notes that the revised Code of Ethics for the Public Service and Local Government demands high standards of ethical conduct and professionalism from public officers in order to enhance public confidence and integrity in the public service.
The Code of Ethics explicitly states that: “A public servant shall not accept gifts, rewards, hospitality, or benefits of any kind from any person or organisation which may compromise his or her personal judgement, integrity, or impartiality.”
In light of the foregoing, the Anti-Corruption Commission urges all public officers to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Code of Ethics for the Public Service and Local Government and to disregard the statements attributed to the outgoing Minister of Health.
Public officers are expected to discharge their duties with utmost integrity, impartiality,professionalism, and accountability, while conducting themselves in a manner thatupholds public trust and confidence in public institutions.
ACC