KASIBANTE HASSAN: Fight Corruption with Evidence, and Protect the Innocent from Public Humiliation

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion piece by Kasibante Hassan urging Uganda’s anti-corruption campaign to rely on evidence and due process rather than public accusation. He addresses Hon. Balaam Barugahara, saying anti-corruption mobilisation rallies should be coordinated with the Inspectorate of Government and the Criminal Investigations Directorate so complaints can be assessed professionally, statements recorded, and documents reviewed before any action is taken.

The article argues that allegations raised in public should be treated as claims to investigate, not proof of guilt. Kasibante warns that rallies can be exploited by people with private grudges, including land-related disputes and procurement conflicts, to embarrass or falsely accuse officials such as Resident District Commissioners, technical officers, or members of contracts committees. He says a crowd, a loud speaker, or an arrest cannot replace legal verification.

A central theme is the risk of lasting reputational harm when civil servants are publicly exposed before investigations are complete. Kasibante says media coverage often focuses on arrests but gives less attention to later clearance or acquittal, leaving people judged by early reports long after cases end. He calls for equal publicity for final outcomes and says the anti-corruption drive will be more credible if investigators establish facts and courts determine guilt.

The piece is a commentary rather than a news report, but it reflects a broader concern in Uganda and elsewhere about balancing anti-corruption enforcement with fairness, evidence, and protection for innocent public servants.