Corruption fight requires shared political will – Ombudsman

HUYE - Shared political will is the only way to effectively fight corruption, the Ombudsman, Tito Rutaremara has said.Delivering a lecture to peace and civic education students at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) on Wednesday, Rutaremara noted that corruption has persisted in some circles, because the locals are not cooperative enough in fighting it. He said: “Authorities at the central government level have spoken out against this vice but there has not been an equal voice and determination at the lower local government levels to fight off this vice.” He reminded students that the law against corruption does not discriminate and that whoever will be caught will be face the full wrath of the law. The Ombudsman called upon students to develop a spirit of integrity and patriotism while still in school. ”If you cheat in an examination and get free marks, don’t expect to resist the urge to steal public funds once you become a leader,” said Rutaremara. In response students noted that it is prudent to devolve the structures of the public watchdogs such as the Ombudsman’s office to the districts and sectors- pointing out that it is at such localized levels that many cases of corruption are reported. The lecture was also attended by Zainabo Sylivie Kayitesi, the president of National Commission for Human Rights.Peace and civic education course was introduced as a core course at NUR this academic year. The course, sanctioned by the Ministry of Education is expected to be rolled out in all higher institutions of learning in the country. Ends