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Ulimwengu: Void in leadership cause of corruption in govt
2008-04-11 10:24:17
By Lusekelo Philemon
The graft scandals reported in the government arise from a serious void in the country`s leadership, as well as lack of commitment on the part of politicians.
The remarks were made on Wednesday in Dar es salaam by a seasoned journalist, Jenerali Ulimwengu, while presenting a paper on, ``Corruption, a bedrock that has robbed off Tanzania of its richness,`` at the Fredskorpset (FK) networking meeting.
FK Norway (Fredskorpset) organises reciprocal exchanges of personnel between organisations in Norway and developing countries, with the objective of contributing to lasting improvements in economic, social and political conditions in the world.
``The main reason for the prevailing corruption is a result of serious void in the country's leadership which has been dogging Tanzania for many decades,`` he said.
Ulimwengu told the participants that bad leadership was a chronic disease that will continue to haunt the country for many years to come, if there are no measures to change the current political system.
``There is no reason why Tanzania and its people remain poor while the country boasts of abundant natural resources, which, if properly exploited could make poverty history,`` he said.
He challenged the system used in recruiting the leadership, which he said allows many less qualified political leaders into power through corruption.
According to Ulimwengu, politicians use people's poverty to buy leadership, but fail to deliver once in power.
He said that in order for them to remain in power, they make sure people out there remain poorer and poorer, so that when the election time arrives they are re-elected.
``Signing dubious contracts like what is happening now is a result of the current political system. The country has many people who are competent enough and have national interests at heart, but they are kept away from the system,`` he said.
He explained that people are morally and intellectually corrupt because they are living in a very corrupt atmosphere.
In order to do away with such a corrupt system, Ulimwengu urged the youth to take an active role in changing the current situation by putting national interests first.
``This is your country and you are the ones to change this state of affairs,`` he said.
Commenting on Ulimwengu`s presentation, former Kenyan FK participant, Paul Otieno, said merging education and community development issues would help improve people`s livelihoods, enabling them refrain from corruption.
Earlier, FK Director Tor Elden said the youth need to take the lead in bringing about socio-economic changes.
Tamwa executive director, Ananilea Nkya, said the aim of the meeting was to strengthen the network, share best practices of the programme and exchange notes on the National Gender Conference.
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