Nyarugenge District has launched an anti-corruption campaign aimed at uprooting the vice among local leaders and residents.

The drive launched under the theme: "Let’s work together to fight corruption that erodes country’s economy,” on Tuesday, started with a walk from Muhima to Kimisagara One–Stop Employment Centre in Kigali.

The event, that took place at Kimisagara One–Stop Employment Centre, was attended by Transparency International Rwanda officials, local leaders, security officials in the district and students from Kimisagara area.

Pierre Claver Kabera, the Policy and Legal coordinator at Transparency International Rwanda spoke of how corruption affects development.

When talking about corruption, we refer to two sides, the giver and the receiver– corruption is mostly found in leadership, he said.

"Leaders have responsibility to deliver all needed services to people and citizens have the right to receive all services.”

He stressed that corruption takes various forms, including nepotism, embezzlement, sex, among others.

"Corruption affects the economy of any country. Local leaders have previously been accused of corruption in some government programmes like Girinka. Rwanda’s standing, regionally and worldwide, in fighting corruption does not mean there is no corruption in the country,” he added.

Rwanda ranks well in the world in fighting against corruption.

In order to stem corruption completely there is need for such sensitization campaigns, Kabera said.

"Lack of information is the primary barrier in fighting corruption. People are afraid of harassment for whistle blowing but they should not worry because there are laws to protect witnesses. We should all stand up; unite our efforts and work together to fight against corruption.”

Severin Rwamucyo, director of good governance in Nyarugenge District, said fighting corruption is everyone’s responsibility because it affects the country as well as citizens.

Campaigns on corruption shouldn’t be limited to a certain time; it should be consistent because corrupt individuals are always there, he said.

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