Africans expect their leaders to be corrupt says top judge

A leading judge from Uganda slammed leadership across the continent today.

Speaking at the ABLI forum, she said that Africans expected their leaders to be corrupt: whether they were Church or government leaders.

‘We expect leaders to misuse resources for their private gain and to abuse those below them,’ she said. ‘Misuse of public office is so common place.’

‘We expect them to sponge on resources of an organization: it doesn’t matter whether it is the Church or government,’ she added.

But, she said that true leadership had to be based on biblical values, not on self-aggrandizement or personal gain.

‘Biblical leadership should see us helping people develop,’ said Lady Justice Catherine. ‘A true leader makes sacrifices, sets an example, shares a vision and influences others and gives direction to others.’

She was speaking at the sixth ABLI conference in Nairobi, Kenya. The event is focusing on how Africa can tackle corruption by transforming leadership in all institutions, both Church and State.

Lady Justice Catherine led an investigation into fraud in Uganda that saw $1.5 billion embezzled by officials, including those close to the President, over seven years, rather than go into planned road-building schemes.

Her investigation led to death threats against her and her team.

‘We had death threats,’ she said ahead of her address today. ‘Once we began calling witnesses and more started coming out, the public got interested. More people came with information. But we also got the people who were not very happy.

‘There was grand corruption, collusion and crime of every nature and outright bribery. Leaders sought self-aggrandizement.

‘It was nerve wracking,’ she said. ‘At times I felt, “What I have got into?” I felt a bit frightened. But my biggest worry was what effect it would have on my family.’

But, because of her investigation, the President of Uganda has now said that he will address the corruption that she uncovered.

She called on those attending the ABLI conference to ‘identify young people’ who can be the future leaders of their nations.

And she cautioned that leaders should not be focused on themselves, but on the Bible.

‘Leaders tend to make themselves the message. Everything is about me, me, me,’ she said. But we need to return to the Word and allow the Bible to transform us by the renewal of our minds.’

The ABLI forum continues until Thursday.