By Steven Enatu
SOROTI CITY
In the bustling and young city of Soroti, a group of concerned citizens have decided to take a stand against corruption in their local government.
They formed an initiative called “Soroti At Heart Integrity Idol Award aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in public service.
The group, led by a charismatic young leader Tom Ewoku have devised this unique approach in the fight against corruption.
This is a step after having participated in positive Social media campaigns where they would name and shame individual officers at Soroti city who abuse their officers for self gain.
These they do while putting Soroti, a young city for Teso at their heart with hope that one day it develops to be a model city.
The Integrity Award will be given to that employee of Soroti City who demonstrated integrity in all circumstances.
Ismael Ochen, one of the concerned residents in Soroti city says the employee to be recognized must be one who consistently acted in a moral and ethical manner regardless of the situation.
“He/she strives to keep all promises and commitments. Always insist on honesty and transparency in all dealings,” he noted.
Each department in the Soroti City Council will nominate a maximum of three (3) persons who will later be subjected to an entire community vote in order to be crowned.
The nomination will be by journalists, Human resources department, Church Elders and Civil Society Organizations.
Upon nominations, tvetting will be done by a Council of elders, CSOs and Soroti at Heart members. Thereafter, the public will vote to determine the overall winner of this Integrity Idol award, the first of its kind. The awards night is for everyone.
With the support of local businesses, organizations and individual contributions, the team behind this is optimistic to achieve the ultimate goal of fighting the monster called corruption and also enhanced local revenue collection by sensitizing the community on the importance of revenue payment and best ways of paying.
“This year, we are looking at the areas of Revenue, Service delivery and Utilization of funds to better the development of Soroti city. Therefore if anyone wishes to support this noble course, he or she can send in contribution to our momo account 895290 in the name of Soroti at Heart” Tom Ewoku said.
If well received, the idea will have a remarkable impact in the fight against Corruption and build public trust in government officials.
The winners shall be decorated with Accolades – Lapel badges, plaque, Heifer and certificates for all of participants.
The compassion to see and be part of the changing society awakened to drive out wrong norms is one key factor that has driven one renowned young Emmanuel Ilaborot Otim to be part of this journey.
“Let’s do all it takes within our means to fight corruption. It’s dangerous because it undermines and frustrates development,” Ilaborot noted.
The Integrity Idol award is seen as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of entrenched corruption; ordinary citizens can rise up with strategies that create a better future for themselves and their communities.
