TIU Background

TI-Uganda is the national chapter of Transparency International, a global coalition against corruption. It is a registered non-governmental organization working to create change towards a Uganda free of corruption. TI-Uganda was founded in 1993 to enhance accountability, transparency, and integrity among Ugandans. The organization was accredited in 1996 as the national chapter in Uganda to Transparency International, whose headquarters are in Berlin, Germany. TI-Uganda is governed by a structured hierarchy, including the General Assembly, Advisory Council, Board of Directors, and the Secretariat, which is the technical and implementation arm of the organization. TI-Uganda interventions have been majorly under the sectors of Education, Health, Production and Extractives. Currently, TI-Uganda has two offices located in Ntinda, Kampala (head office) and Lira city (regional office).

TI-Uganda has nationwide jurisdiction with specific interventions in 50 districts. It addresses all forms of corruption through its five strategic objectives, which include;

  • Protecting the public’s resources. This involves advocating for maximum openness, transparency and responsiveness in public contracting and more effective prevention and exposure of public sector bribery, theft and abuse of power.
  • Securing integrity in politics and governance. This comprises of removal of undue influence from elections and political appointments and greater transparency, accountability and equity in influence over public decision-making.
  • Driving integrity in business. A critical mass of business leadership fulfilling strong integrity commitments and more effective exposure and punishment of corrupt business.
  • Expanding civic space for accountability. Enhanced freedom and security for activists, whistleblowers and journalists to challenge abuse of power and increased channels for people to demand results for the common good.
  • Strengthening institutional and organizational capacity. Enhance the professional capacity of the staff in different aspects.

How we work

TI Uganda employs several strategies and approaches as it carries out its work. These include:

  • Research studies and evidence-based advocacy. This provide in-depth insights into prevailing corruption issues in the country. The data is used to support advocacy, with popular research including the Corruption Perception Index and Uganda Bribery Index
  • Civic engagement and empowerment: TI-Uganda equips citizens with the skills and knowledge in accountability needed to hold their leaders accountable. This is achieved through training, dialogues, and the development of pacts
  • Community-based structures: TI-Uganda develops and enhances the skills of selected community members to empower and spearhead the monitoring and reporting of corruption within their localities. TI-Uganda has 400 community monitors spread across 15 districts
  • Collaborative approach: TIU will work in close collaboration with government officials at district and national levels, for example with the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets (PPDA), Inspectorate of Government (IG) and local governments.

Achievements registered

From the operations, several achievements have been realized including;

  • Rectification of shoddy work in the health and education sectors, especially at the district level. During the upgrade of health centers from grade II to III, TIU’s interventions ensured that facilities were constructed according to the bills of quantity and contract guidelines. In cases where the contractor deviated from the contract, they were required to redo the work in 8 health centers across Mubende, Buliisa, and Oyam districts
  • Contributed to policy reforms in partnership with like-minded CSOs. Such policies include; the National Land Policy, Mining and Mineral Act 2022, and leadership Code Act 2017. Additionally, participated in advocating for Uganda to join Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and a multi-stakeholder Group was established housed at the Ministry of Finance.
  • Established strong monitoring and accountability structures. TI-Uganda has 400 community monitors spread across 15 districts. The capacity of these monitors has been built and they carry out occasional monitoring of service delivery units and report any short in service delivery to TI-Uganda and the deputy bearers. Most of the findings have been conclusively handled by the duty bearers with follow-up from TI-Uganda.

Areas of possible collaboration with the private sector

  • Independent Anti-Corruption Reporting Platforms. TI-Uganda will provide a platform for private-sector customers to report any integrity issues they encounter while acquiring a service. Over the past nine years, TI-Uganda has offered this service to UMEME, which information has led to investigations and subsequently recovery of funds through fraud billing.
  • Training on integrity. TI-Uganda equips private sector company staff with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to uphold integrity in their personal and professional lives. This, in turn, enhances the company’s reputation and trust, leading to improved customer retention.
  • Partnering during anti-corruption campaigns as a part of Corporate Social Responsibility. The total cost of corruption in Uganda is estimated to be UGX 9.144 trillion per year, which is equivalent to 44% of the total government revenue in 2019. This money could have been used to improve healthcare, potentially reducing the mortality rate, or to enhance the public education sector by providing meals for school children. TI-Uganda conducts periodic anti-corruption campaigns to expose the effects of corruption on society.