Ombudsman consults residents on corruption

NORTHERN PROVINCE GICUMBI — A team of consultants from the Ombudsman’s office on Tuesday carried out a one-day consultative meeting in Gicumbi District on the causes and ways of stamping out corruption in Rwanda. Faustin Kamandwa, who led the team, explained that the aim of their meeting was to harness views of the people on the comprehensive strategies to stem corruption in society. The meeting was attended by members of the civil society, religious, district leaders and Police, “More stringent measures shall be put in place to stamp out corruption in society, after compiling people’s ideas on the causes and means of eradicating corruption in all sectors of Private and Government entities,” said Kamandwa. Participants at the meeting noted that corruption is evident in both the middle and upper class people of the Rwandan society, but acknowledged that it has reduced drastically in the last three years. “The introduction of Ombudsman office and harsh measures against those caught in bribery has reduced corruption in the Rwandan society for the last three years,” said the district official in-charge of Good Governance, Joseph Munyezamu. Other members at the meeting pointed out that the middle class in the Rwandan society is known to give out bribes to grassroots and district leaders, in order to get special treatment in things like acquisition of land or plots in urban areas. They also said some leaders in responsible positions are known for awarding tenders worth millions to those contractors who offer them a 10% bribe. “This is a common practice in Government Ministries, Districts and Government bodies,” said one participant. The common types of corruption highlighted at the meeting include bribery and nepotism. The participants noted that more efforts are needed to curb corruption particularly in, Gacaca jurisdictions, Rwanda Revenue Authority, the National Police, Hospitals, and the Prosecution department among others. Various speakers observed that that corruption undermines the economy, creates poverty and breeds mistrust among people. They recommended that more sensitisation is carried out in all sectors of the Rwandan society to curb the vice. Ends