Realizing Public Accountability In Uganda's Public Service Delivery System - A Myth or Reality?

Abstract

Corruption can be defined as misuse of office for personal gain. It includes; Offering, giving, promising, solicitation or acceptance of any goods of monetary value or benefit or undue advantage in exchange for any act or omission in the performance of a person’s duties. It also takes the forms of; neglect of duty, corruptly procuring tenders, bribery, diversion of public resources. Accountability refers to the obligations of public enterprises and agencies (who are entrusted with public resources) to be answerable for fiscal and social responsibilities, to those who have assigned such responsibilities to them. Accountability can also involve citizens holding their leaders accountable for their actions, most especially if the actions are against the public good. It can as well be defined as being responsible to someone for actions taken. Transparency refers to openness and ease within which information can be accessed by the public. Transparency is needed for accountability and is an indicator of a government that is citizen focused and service oriented. It implies a proactive effort to make information accessible to the citizens.