Editor,

Allow me to comment on the story that appeared in yesterday’s issue of The NewTimes titled: "Regional blocs intensify fight against corruption.”
True, corruption is a societal cancer and, if not fought collectively it can destroy the entire society.

Just like Helen Kenani of COMESA said on Thursday, integration will not be easy to attain if some countries don’t put in place anti-corruption policies.

We need to realize that corruption causes poverty and it is an obstacle to development.
Working on this premise, it’s proof that if our regional blocks don’t do much to fight corruption, economic integration will be a lost dream.
 
I have heard some friends say that corruption leads to development. Corruption only benefits a few who have access to public funds. No country, whether rich or poor, is immune to this vice and we must stand up and confront it collectively.

It’s self evident that corruption tends to make the wretched of the earth even poorer, by denying them their rightful share of economic resources or life-saving aid. It puts public services beyond the reach of those who cannot afford to pay bribes.

I would like to urge regional blocks to prioritise the matter and keep fighting corruption decisively.

Eugene Sabiiti
Kimisagara