Kagame rebukes officials over corruption, rejects ‘lesser evil’ justification

By The Inspirer.

President Paul Kagame has sharply criticized public officials who engage in corruption while justifying it by comparing Rwanda’s performance to more corrupt countries, warning against what he described as “aligning with wrongdoing.”

The Head of State made the remarks on March 23, 2026, during a high-level meeting bringing together local government leaders and senior officials in Gako, Bugesera District.

Kagame expressed concern over persistent corrupt practices within institutions, noting that some officials knowingly exploit service delivery processes for personal gain. He pointed to deliberate delays in accessing public services, suggesting they are often engineered to coerce citizens into offering bribes.

He cautioned leaders against using Rwanda’s relatively better standing in global corruption rankings as a shield for misconduct, questioning why anyone would choose to measure themselves against negative standards instead of upholding integrity.

According to a 2025 report by Transparency International, Rwanda ranked 41st globally among least corrupt countries, improving from 43rd in 2024. However, Kagame warned that such progress should not breed complacency or serve as justification for unethical behavior.

The President stressed that corruption—regardless of scale—remains a threat to national development, enabling self-interest at the expense of public good. He urged leaders to leverage their knowledge, judgment, and positions responsibly, emphasizing that national interest ultimately aligns with individual well-being.

Kagame also criticized the culture of silence among those who witness corruption but fail to act, stating that inaction effectively amounts to complicity.

He concluded by reminding leaders of their duty to deliver timely, fair, and non-discriminatory services, underscoring that citizens deserve the same standard of service officials would expect for themselves.