As the dawn breaks at the beginning of February in Uganda, it brings with it a sense of unease and sleepless nights for many hardworking individuals. The economic situation in the country has become a heavy burden to bear, with the cost of living skyrocketing beyond the means of ordinary citizens.

From hiked and unregulated school fees to exorbitant rent prices, the financial strain on families is intense. In the midst of this struggle, one cannot help but ponder the deep-rooted connection between the cost of living and the rampant corruption that plagues our nation.

Peter’s (second name withheld) harsh reality is one faced by many Ugandans. As a father of four children and a communications officer earning Ugx1,300,000 with school fees demanding Ugx1,000,000 per child before factoring in additional expenses, Peter finds himself trapped in a cycle of financial insecurity and debt. The burden of providing a quality education for his children weighs heavily on his shoulders, leaving little room for savings or investment in the future.

Additionally, the exorbitant cost of rent further worsens Peter’s financial woes, with Ugx600,000 disappearing from his paycheck each month. In a country where housing remains a fundamental human need, the lack of affordable housing options only serves to deepen the economic divide. With the remaining income barely sufficient to cover basic necessities such as food and transportation, Peter finds himself living on the edge of poverty with each passing day.

With the ever-increasing cost of living, unregulated housing, and school fees, among others, I am tempted to think that this has increased the corruption tendencies in the country. The high costs of living serve as a breeding ground for corruption, pushing individuals like Peter to desperate measures in order to survive. Faced with limited opportunities for upward mobility and economic advancement, many are forced to resort to illicit means to make ends meet.

Corruption thrives in environments where inequality and injustice reign supreme, spreading a vicious cycle of poverty and exploitation. As the gap between the rich and the poor widens, so too does the appeal of corruption as a means of levelling the playing field. When basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and housing become unattainable luxuries for the majority of the population, the seeds of discontent and disillusionment are sown.

However, the solution to combating corruption lies not only in addressing its symptoms but also in tackling the underlying socio-economic inequalities that give rise to it. By implementing policies aimed at reducing the cost of living and increasing access to essential services, the government can help alleviate the financial burden on its citizens and create a more equitable society for all.

Investing in education, healthcare, and affordable housing is not only morally important but also economically prudent in the long run. A well-educated and healthy population is the cornerstone of sustainable development and economic prosperity. By prioritising the needs of its citizens over the interests of the elite, Uganda can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.