Sex-for-jobs, marks corruption: Uganda urged to adopt Tanzanian law

What the report says

Uganda is being pressed to create a specific offence covering sexual corruption, or sextortion, after a discussion that compared the country’s laws with Tanzania’s approach. The Observer reported that campaigners and legal experts say existing anti-corruption rules do not clearly address demands for sexual favours in return for jobs, promotions, examination marks or access to services. Patricia Munabi, a lawyer and human rights activist, argued that Uganda should amend its laws to target officials who abuse authority in this way and to set separate penalties for offenders.

The call comes amid research cited by the paper showing the problem in several sectors, especially education, employment and health. A December 2021 study commissioned by the Inspectorate of Government found that 10% of surveyed respondents had heard of a teacher or school official offering marks or a pass in exchange for sex. Other studies referenced in the article described similar pressures in workplaces and public services, including demands linked to promotions, salary increases and processing official documents.

The Observer also noted that Tanzania introduced a law in 2007 specifically criminalising such conduct, with later penalties increased. During a presentation on sexual corruption, that country was presented as a possible model for Uganda. The broader significance is that advocates want the law to recognize the power imbalance in these cases, where victims may feel forced to comply rather than risk losing opportunities, while also making prosecution workable despite the difficulty of gathering evidence.