Remarks by the Chief Ombudsman in the Opening Ceremony of the Annual General Meeting Of

REMARKS BY THE CHIEF OMBUDSMAN IN THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE EAST AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF ANTI-CORRUPTION AUTHORITIES (EAAACA) ON 4th November 2013- KIGALI-RWANDA

Honorable Minister,
Honorable President of the East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities,
Honorable Heads of Anti-Corruption Bodies,
Distinguished delegates from different countries and organizations,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me a great pleasure to welcome you to this annual general meeting of the East African Association of Anti- Corruption Authorities. This meeting gives us an opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest. And in doing so, we hope to outline our respective responsibilities, discuss areas of mutual cooperation and agree on modalities of reinforcing anti-corruption measures in East Africa.

We recognize that, whereas we are functionally independent, we can only deliver our mandate by working together.

The topic of this meeting underlies our commitment to achieve our mission towards eradication of corruption,as one of the main obstacles to development.

Corruption and lack of transparency undermine efforts to reduce poverty, because public resources are squandered instead of being used to promote sustainable development for all.

Honorable Minister,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our institutions play an important role in monitoring good governance, noting that good governance is a key to the implementation of Africa's development agenda.

We are all aware that, corruption is one of the causes of bad governance; while bad governance leads to corruption. It is therefore our duty to reinforce mutual cooperation, in order to reduce corruption and move towards good governance and sustainable development.

Honorable Minister,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Corruption is an international problem. Criminals and proceeds of crime move across national boundaries and beyond. Technology has provided more sophisticated options for international crime; and the financial incentives for corrupt conduct continue growing; hence the necessity to join our efforts at regional and international level.

The fight against corruption must be also a national priority,led by political leaders, supported by public and private institutions, the civil society, and the whole community. The corruption challenge must be tackled comprehensively, by enacting special laws, creating dedicated anti-corruption agencies, promulgating ethical rules, conducting public education campaigns, and cultivating integrity in all areas.It must be our ultimate goal, to build a strong partnership in the fight against corruption.

Before I conclude, allow me to express my sincere thanks to all delegates, all former heads of Anti-corruption Bodies, for having agreed to honor this event, with their presence.

I would also like to thank all those who have contributed financially, physically and morally to the organization of this meeting.

My thanks go especially to Madam Minister in the President’s Office, for having responded positively to our invitation, despite other heavy responsibilities.

Your presence here is a clear testimony of the commitment of our Government to fight against corruption.

I thank you, for your kind attention.