According to the United Nations, corruption costs developing countries approximately $1.26 trillion annually. Since 2016, Uzbekistan has undertaken significant reforms to combat corruption, including the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Agency, the simplification of public services, and the full digitalization of public procurement systems.
A recent study conducted by Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Agency, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea sheds light on public attitudes toward corruption. The study used surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews, covering all 14 regions of Uzbekistan and gathering responses from 503 participants.
Key Findings
The study revealed that public understanding of corruption in Uzbekistan often focuses on bribery and nepotism. Over half of respondents identified abuse of office and nepotism as corrupt practices. However, less than 40% considered valuable gifts a form of corruption, with many viewings them as gestures of gratitude rather than bribes.
While bribery is widely condemned – 88.4% of respondents disapproved of it – attitudes toward small gifts for good service were more lenient.
Sectors Most Affected
The study highlighted the sectors most susceptible to corruption:
- Healthcare and Education: Particularly in higher education.
- Local Governance: Frequent opportunities for misuse of authority.
- Traffic Safety Services, Internal Affairs, Roads, and Construction: Identified as high-risk areas, with rural residents particularly concerned about corruption in road construction.
Reporting Corruption
Despite witnessing corrupt practices, few respondents report such behavior to authorities. Among respondents:
- Men: 79.2% were slightly more willing to report corruption than women (70.4%).
- Women: Showed greater interest in using mobile applications or online portals for reporting (85.2% versus 79.2% of men).
- Persons with Disabilities: Reported corruption less frequently, but expressed a high willingness to use online tools if made accessible.
Trust in Anti-Corruption Institutions
Trust in anti-corruption institutions varied significantly:
- Urban Residents: Trusted the media (20.3%) and bloggers (17.3%) more than rural residents.
- Rural Residents: Had higher trust in the Anti-Corruption Agency (21.4%).
- Persons with Disabilities: Showed trust in the Anti-Corruption Agency, media, and bloggers.
- General Public: Less than 5% said they trust no one to address corruption.
Moving Forward
The findings suggest that while public awareness of corruption is growing, attitudes toward certain practices, such as gift-giving, remain complex. Efforts to increase transparency, provide accessible reporting tools, and build trust in anti-corruption institutions are critical to further reducing corruption in Uzbekistan.
