An analysis of Uganda’s legal and policy framework against political corruption: challenges and prospects

Abstract

Political corruption remains a pervasive challenge in Uganda, undermining democratic governance, economic development, and public trust in institutions. This study examines Uganda’s legal framework addressing political corruption, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and effectiveness in combating corrupt practices among public officials. Through a qualitative review of existing legislation, including the Anti-Corruption Act of 2009, the Leadership Code Act, and relevant constitutional provisions, alongside case studies of high-profile corruption scandals, the research identifies key challenges such as weak enforcement mechanisms, judicial interference, and limited institutional autonomy. The study further explores prospects for reform, including enhanced whistleblower protections, digital transparency tools, and regional anti-corruption collaboration. Findings reveal that while Uganda’s legal framework provides a robust foundation, its efficacy is hindered by political interference and resource constraints. The paper proposes actionable recommendations to strengthen accountability, foster institutional independence, and align Uganda’s anti-corruption efforts with international best practices, offering insights for policymakers and scholars of governance in developing democracies.