Protect your job like you protect your age: Ambrose Ocen warns public servants against trading careers for bribes

OPINION

By Amolatar NewsCast

Kampala,Uganda | Ugandan public servants have been urged to protect their jobs, professional reputation and public trust by resisting corruption and refusing to exchange long-term careers for short-term financial gains.

The call has been made by guest writer Mr Ambrose Ocen, who says the ongoing scrutiny of government institutions over alleged corruption and abuse of office should serve as a wake-up call to every public servant across the country.

Speaking to our reporter, Ocen argued that government employment is a valuable opportunity that many qualified Ugandans spend years seeking, and should therefore not be jeopardised for small amounts of money obtained through dishonest means.

He questioned why an officer would risk a stable monthly salary and professional career for a bribe of Shs50,000 or Shs100,000.

According to Ocen, corruption does not always begin with large-scale theft. It can start with seemingly minor compromises, including asking for unofficial facilitation, deliberately delaying documents, misusing government resources, altering records or failing to properly account for public funds.

He warned that repeated small compromises can eventually develop into serious misconduct capable of destroying an individual’s career and reputation.

Ocen also said public servants should understand that money diverted from government programmes has consequences for ordinary citizens.

“When public resources meant for development are diverted, the loss goes beyond government books,” he argued, noting that communities can be left without essential services, infrastructure and other programmes for which public funds were allocated.

He urged public officers, particularly those handling public funds, to maintain proper records, follow procurement procedures, account for government resources and refuse unlawful instructions.

“Work in such a way that when someone comes, your records can speak for you,” Ocen said.

He further cautioned against the mentality that one person’s alleged corruption justifies another person’s misconduct.

According to him, the argument that “if others are eating, why should I remain hungry?” can lead public servants into decisions that ultimately cost them their employment and professional standing.

Ocen said public servants should instead focus on improving their skills, pursuing lawful opportunities and living within their legitimate means.

He also stressed that allegations of corruption should be handled through evidence and due process, rather than treated as proof of guilt before investigations and legal processes are completed.

The guest writer’s message comes amid heightened public attention on accountability and the management of government resources, particularly in local government institutions.

He said the increasing scrutiny of public offices should encourage officials to strengthen their documentation, financial accountability and professional conduct rather than operate in fear.

Ocen concluded by challenging public servants to consider the long-term consequences of every decision involving public resources.

He asked them to consider whether money obtained improperly in a few minutes would be worth losing a job that may have taken years to secure.

For him, the message is simple: a government job can provide a family with income for years, while an illicit payment can disappear within hours.

He therefore urged public servants to protect their careers, uphold integrity and remember that government offices exist to serve citizens rather than provide opportunities for personal enrichment.