This is to caution all potential investors that come to Uganda and those who intend to do so in the future, as well as businessmen who are interested in sales contracts, that they should never entertain demands for bribes by some of the rotten thieves who answer to the description of leaders or officials in the Government of Uganda. I have been reliably informed that like dung flies (zindangire), these thieves flock to wherever there is food and contaminate it. Like the dung flies, they flock whenever there is food or filth. These parasites, apparently, pester foreign investors for gifts, assistance of one kind or other, cash, etc. This contemptible behaviour is not only for these characters’ selfish interests but it is to the detriment of Uganda and Africa. It makes foreigners wary of investing here. It raises their transaction costs on account of having to incorporate bribes into their expenditure. A number of projects have, apparently, been frustrated because of these parasites.However, in the case of Uganda, this is all unnecessary pain inflicted on the investors by their failure to expose these parasites. Any information coming to me through my office, with evidence, will result in swift and decisive action. The aggrieved parties should also inform their home Governments about these approaches by the corrupt Ugandan leaders or officials.
Recently, the British Government did a commendable job by arresting a Ugandan official, one Tumukunde, who got a bribe from a British company. This is what should be done in all cases.
I appeal to potential investors to inform both your home Governments and my office in case of any approaches by these corrupt leaders and officials, for any favours.
I, therefore, recommend that you contact my office on:
Telephone Nos: +256-414-234522 or
+256-414-343313 or
+256-0715-341449 or
Facsimile: +256-414-236-456 or
+256-414-346-901:
E-mail: president@statehouse.go.ug
mallan5243@yahoo.co.uk
to pass on such vital information.
As far as Uganda is concerned, this is a pestilence that can easily be stopped. All I need is your prompt co-operation by informing my office and your home Governments.
It is most flabbergasting and unacceptable to find a person describing himself as a leader accepting or soliciting for gifts or money from any private source (local or foreign) or foreign governments. Such leaders have no value and should be consigned to the dung-heap of history. Dignity and depending solely on the fruits of one’s sweat are core characteristics of leadership and, indeed, central to even ordinary decent living.
Before the issues of political funding were sorted out, we, occasionally, got donations for political parties or campaigns. However, these had to be in conformity with the law and were only handled by designated offices. It was never for individuals to go around soliciting for money even for political causes.
Yoweri K. Museveni (Gen Rtd)
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
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