Speaker Among Decries Growing Public Trust Deficit in African Governments

Summary:

Speaker Among emphasized that while citizens dutifully pay taxes to support government operations, they often do not see corresponding improvements in services.

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KAMPALA: Speaker Anita Annet Among has expressed concern over the growing lack of public trust in African governments, attributing it to corruption and poor service delivery.

Speaking on Monday at the official opening of the 5th African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) Assembly, Among highlighted the urgent need for transparency and accountability. The assembly, themed “Illicit Financial Flows and Fostering Public Financial Resilience,” is taking place from March 17th to 21st, 2025, at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala.

“In almost every country on this continent, public trust in governments is eroding because citizens do not receive the services they expect. Funds are mismanaged, service delivery is inadequate, inequality is widening, and unsustainable public debt is rising. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow due to these issues,” she stated.

Speaker Among emphasized that while citizens dutifully pay taxes to support government operations, they often do not see corresponding improvements in services.

“People expect satisfactory service delivery and accountability in return for their taxes. Unfortunately, in many countries, the reality is quite the opposite,” she lamented.

She called on AFROPAC to collaborate in tackling illicit financial flows, which she identified as a major obstacle to development.

“These illegal flows take various forms, including corruption, smuggling, tax evasion, human trafficking, drug trade, and aggressive transfer pricing. Such financial crimes weaken revenue collection, which is essential for funding national development goals and ensuring quality service delivery,” Among noted.

The AFROPAC Assembly aims to address these challenges by formulating strategies to curb financial misconduct and strengthen public financial management across Africa.