A study reveals that most Uzbeks view gifts to officials not as corruption but as expressions of gratitude.
A study conducted in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea (ACRC), the Political Center of UNDP in Seoul, and the European Union relied on data from over 500 respondents and anonymous opinions from employees of more than 20 ministries and government organizations.
During the study , primary information about public opinion was gathered from 14 regions of Uzbekistan through focus groups, expert interviews, and telephone surveys. All 14 regions covered by the survey were represented equally, and the number of respondents did not significantly vary. Both men and women, as well as urban and rural residents, participated equally in the survey. The age group that predominated was 25 to 34 years old (38% of the total).
According to the study's findings, society often perceives corruption as bribery and nepotism. More than 50% of respondents believe that corruption is the abuse of official power and nepotism, while less than 40% consider it the giving of expensive gifts.
Public perception of corruption:
- 54.8% — abuse of official authority;
- 51.4% — preference for hiring relatives (nepotism);
- 49.6% — monetary gifts to government officials;
- 49.2% — using official position for personal gain;
- 47.2% — influence on the formation of laws and regulations for personal interests;
- 44.4% — receiving monetary gifts by government officials;
- 42.8% — misappropriation of goods and services intended for public consumption;
- 38.4% — receiving expensive gifts by officials.
Photo: “Daryo”/Madina Nurman
Most people view gifts as gratitude rather than corruption . Receiving bribes (88.4%) and giving bribes (68.4%) are widely condemned, but small gifts for services are considered normal.
Respondents identified healthcare, education (especially higher education), and local self-government as areas where corruption is widespread.
Sectors most vulnerable to corruption:
- Medical institutions — 56.4 percent;
- Higher educational institutions — 39 percent;
- Preschool educational institutions — 27.4 percent;
- Secondary general educational institutions — 27 percent;
- Local government bodies (hokimiyats) — 25.6 percent.
Sectors severely affected by corruption:
- Road traffic service;
- Internal affairs bodies;
- Road sector;
- Construction industry.
Rural residents more frequently than urban residents identified the road sector as the most corrupt area — 22.2% compared to 12.8%.
74.0% of respondents are willing to report cases of corruption, including 82.2% through an electronic platform or mobile application. 12% of respondents consider reporting corruption a negative situation. The main reasons for not reporting corruption are perceived futility, lack of results (24.8%), not knowing whom to contact (20.4%), and personal interest in corruption (19.8%).
“For example, if you have to pay a fine of 10 million soms, you negotiate with the inspector and pay 2 million soms. Just think about it, where is the 10 million, and where is the 2 million,” said one of the survey participants.
Half of the respondents fear the consequences of reporting, while 13.8% stated that they give money or gifts as a sign of gratitude. The willingness to report corruption is somewhat higher among men (79.2%) than among women (70.4%).
According to respondents, terms such as “suyunchi (gift for good news)”, “tuena (gift for a wedding)”, “thank you” are spoken voluntarily only as a sign of gratitude, respect, and support .
According to the agency, the aim of this study is to understand why people have misconceptions about corruption and why they are reluctant to report it. Its goals are to enhance the protection of such whistleblowers, increase accountability, and foster social responsibility between citizens and government officials.
Previously, it was reported that bribery by and to officials has decreased in Uzbekistan, but cases of embezzlement of public funds and abuse of power have increased.