Uzbekistan’s anti-corruption transformation

2026-03-07 - 21:14

OVER the past several years, the fight against corruption has become a central pillar of Uzbekistan’s state policy and reform agenda. What began as legislative modernization has gradually evolved into a broader transformation of institutions, governance practices and public administration. Today the country is shaping an increasingly institutionalized anti-corruption model combining legal reform digital governance public accountability and international engagement. A key milestone was the 2017 Law “On Combating Corruption”. Since then more than thirty legal and regulatory acts have strengthened the national framework. Conflict-of-interest rules gift regulations and stricter criminal liability for bribery were formalized while anti-corruption commitments were embedded in the revised Constitution signaling that integrity is now a state priority. Digital transformation has also become a defining feature. Guided by the principle “documents move not citizens” Public Service Centers operate nationwide while the Unified Interactive Public Services Portal offers more than seven hundred seventy five services online. Transparency has been strengthened through digital platforms including the Open Data Portal and the Open Budget Portal alongside mandatory publication of socially significant datasets improving public oversight and investor confidence. In 2020 Uzbekistan established an Anti-Corruption Agency reporting to the President and accountable to Parliament. National and regional councils and specialized parliamentary committees were also created while an annual national report to Parliament reviews progress and gaps. Internal compliance units now operate in most state bodies and state-owned banks conducting risk assessments prevention measures and oversight shifting governance from reactive punishment toward prevention. Public procurement traditionally vulnerable to corruption has been reformed through a new procurement law and electronic platforms ensuring transparent and competitive procedures. Targeted initiatives such as “Corruption-Free Sector” “Corruption-Free District” and “Open and Accountable Ministry” demonstrate a risk-based approach rather than symbolic declarations. Mechanisms to encourage whistleblowers and protect citizens reporting corruption have also been introduced supported by electronic platforms call centers and grants for civil society initiatives promoting transparency. The launch of a Virtual Anti-Corruption Academy aims to institutionalize integrity education and strengthen professional capacity across public administration. Uzbekistan has expanded cooperation with international partners including European Union institutions UNDP the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime GIZ and other development agencies supporting research training and technical assistance. Particular attention is given to the role of media and investigative journalism through training access to open data and international partnerships strengthening accountability. A Regional Research Center on Anti-Corruption Issues has also been established to support analysis dialogue and cooperation among government, academia and civil society. Uzbekistan also promotes regional and global dialogue through the annual Tashkent Anti-Corruption Forum and the Central Asia Regional Anti-Corruption Platform supporting implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. International partnerships with numerous organizations and countries have further strengthened knowledge exchange training and policy dialogue. While challenges remain Uzbekistan’s reforms reflect a steady shift from declarations toward institutionalized integrity. For international observers investors and analysts the experience offers an evolving case study of governance reform today globally. —The writer is a staff reporter of Pakistan Observer.