We are excited to share the highlights of the recent panel discussion held under the theme, "Creating Virtuous Circles of Integrity" during the International Ombud Expo 2024. This event, which took place on Wednesday, 31 July 2024, brought together distinguished panelists who shared their insights and experiences in fostering integrity and combating corruption.
Session Highlights:
The session was moderated by Hon. Joseph Whittal, President of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) and Commissioner of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Accra, Ghana. His expertise and guidance were instrumental in steering the discussion towards impactful and actionable insights.
Panelists and Their Contributions:
Ms. Gaone Macholo, Director of the Directorate of Public Service Management in Botswana, discussed the experiences and challenges faced by public officials in Botswana when they are aggrieved, providing a unique perspective on maintaining integrity within the public service sector.
Dr. Roger Koranteng,Advisor & Head of Public Sector Government Commonwealth Secretariat in London shared lessons of experience in creating virtuous circles of integrity and effectively fighting corruption. His international perspective added a valuable dimension to the discussion.
Ms. Botlhale Makgekgenene, Director General of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) in Botswana, provided insights into Botswana's strategies and successes in combating corruption, highlighting effective practices that could be emulated by other regions.
Hon. Justice David Makumbi of the High Court of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda, shared lessons from Uganda's experience in creating and sustaining virtuous circles of integrity. His judicial perspective emphasized the role of the legal system in upholding integrity.
Bopelokgale Soko, Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) in Botswana, discussed the critical role of the FIA in combating financial crimes and safeguarding the integrity of the financial system, underscoring the importance of financial oversight in maintaining overall integrity.
The panel discussion was an engaging and enlightening event, offering valuable insights into the different facets of integrity and anti-corruption efforts across various regions. The shared experiences and strategies provided a comprehensive understanding of how to create and sustain virtuous circles of integrity.