It is common practice in some countries around the world to see people with complex issues, looking up homes of concerned Government officials and visiting them privately, to have their issues decided favourably before meeting them officially in offices. For whatever excuse, doing so is nothing but a form of corruption, a violation of the concerned official’s private life and a trespass of his/her home compound.

Thanks to Rwanda’s state leadership that has so far earned the country a good image internationally for being an almost corrupt free country in the world with highly disciplined state governance. The country’s environment very much deters the likely perpetrators of private visits to Government officials for favours. However, it is a good thing to continually remind each other of the danger of doing so and continually be vigilant.

Usually the perpetrators tend to visit the concerned officials’ homes before or after office hours or during weekends and public holidays.  To ensure success in their quest, they usually look for friends or close relatives of such officials to take them to their homes and introduce them.   Sometimes they do so at a price.

The truth is that the issues they want favours for from Government officials are actually not complex. They are usually illegal such that the concerned look for persuaded and willing Government officials to give them waivers or to allow or assist them, for instance, to import banned goods. As long as such people have secured markets for selling the goods, at high profit within a short time, they will look for willing Government officials, at all costs, to assist them to import the goods even if such goods are banned for reasons of being dangerous to human health or the environment.

Some people look up for willing Government officials to give them permits to set up factories in forbidden areas although doing so threatens the environment. Some look up for them to allow them to erect buildings in previously forbidden areas. Some want to be helped to obtain jobs or work permits where they do not qualify. Some want to be issued with passports where they are not citizens. Some want their children or other relatives to be offered jobs.

Some want to be awarded scholarships after the closing dates have passed or where they do not qualify. Some simply want to be selected to attend international workshops or conferences where a big per diem is paid. Some want promotions before they are due.

Whatever the reason, such people must know that they risk consequences of the wrath of the law. For instance, the ones that corruptly construct houses or buildings in forbidden areas, risk demolition of such constructions, one day, without compensation. They may be fined too. Those employed in positions they do not qualify, risk being removed one day, including being prosecuted and imprisoned.

Likewise, any Government official entertaining private visits to his/her home for official favours also unwisely risks his/her job one day when those he/she has helped are in trouble.

Ends