Uzbekistan's Corruption Perceptions Index Decline: A Setback in the Long Battle Against Corruption

In a significant development, Uzbekistan's score in Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has declined for the first time in over a decade, reflecting ongoing challenges in the country's fight against corruption. The CPI score dropped to 32 points, maintaining the country's rank at 121st out of 180 nations, a stark reminder of the persistent corruption issues that plague various sectors, including healthcare and education.

Over the past twelve years, Uzbekistan has made notable strides in addressing corruption, with its CPI score improving from a low of 17 points in 2012 to a high of 33 points in 2023. This progress was largely attributed to reforms initiated under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's administration, which sought to transition the country from a Soviet-style governance model towards a more open-market economy. However, the recent decline in the CPI score indicates that these efforts may not be sufficient to combat entrenched corruption effectively.

Despite increased prosecutions of corrupt officials—nearly 4,904 individuals faced criminal charges in 2024—political sensitivities continue to hinder comprehensive action against higher-level corruption. The General Prosecutor’s Office reported a significant rise in corruption cases, with many officials charged with serious offenses such as bribery and misappropriation of state funds. However, public perception of corruption remains complicated; many citizens do not view small-scale bribery as a significant issue, reflecting a cultural acceptance rooted in Soviet-era norms.

A recent study indicated that while most respondents associate corruption with bribery and nepotism, only half consider it a serious problem. This ambivalence towards corruption is concerning as it suggests that many citizens prioritize self-interest over collective accountability. The Anti-Corruption Agency's findings reveal that approximately 39% of young people surveyed do not regard giving bribes as corrupt behavior. This mindset poses a significant challenge for reform efforts aimed at fostering a culture of integrity and transparency.

Corruption remains particularly rampant in critical sectors such as healthcare and education. Reports indicate that these areas are perceived as the most corrupt by the Uzbek public. The healthcare sector has been identified as especially problematic, with allegations of bribery and mismanagement undermining public trust in essential services. Similarly, educational institutions have faced scrutiny for corrupt practices that compromise the quality of education and equitable access for students.

The IMF's 2024 assessment highlights that despite some progress in governance and anti-corruption measures, substantial vulnerabilities persist across key state functions. The need for further reforms is evident, particularly in enhancing judicial independence and ensuring accountability among public officials. The judiciary's ability to enforce contracts and protect property rights remains limited, contributing to an environment where corruption can thrive unchecked.

The international community has taken note of Uzbekistan's anti-corruption initiatives but remains cautious about their effectiveness. Transparency International has emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to combat corruption as essential for promoting democracy and stability in the region. François Valerian, Chairman of Transparency International, underscored the urgency of addressing corruption to counter authoritarianism and ensure a peaceful society.

Neighboring Central Asian countries have also faced their own challenges regarding corruption. For instance, Kazakhstan ranked higher at 88th with a score of 40, while Kyrgyzstan fell to 146th with a score of 25. These rankings illustrate the varying degrees of success among Central Asian nations in tackling corruption and highlight Uzbekistan's ongoing struggle despite previous improvements.

Looking ahead, Uzbekistan's government has committed to developing a new long-term anti-corruption strategy following the implementation of its State Programme for 2023-2024. This program aims to address existing vulnerabilities and enhance governance across various sectors. Public consultations on anti-corruption measures have been conducted to gather feedback from citizens, although transparency regarding responses remains an issue.

To build on past successes and mitigate future setbacks, it is crucial for Uzbekistan to foster an environment where public officials are held accountable for their actions. Strengthening judicial independence and enhancing civil society engagement will be vital components of any effective anti-corruption strategy moving forward.

As Uzbekistan navigates this complex landscape, it must confront deep-rooted cultural attitudes towards corruption while striving for meaningful reforms that prioritize transparency and accountability. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the incremental changes witnessed thus far demonstrate that progress is possible—even if it is not always linear.

References

1. https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2024/211/article-A002-en.xml
2. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2024/11/baseline-report-of-the-fifth-round-of-monitoring-of-anti-corruption-reforms-in-uzbekistan_a7d9ab4c/363ba9d8-en.pdf
3. https://daryo.uz/en/2025/02/12/uzbekistan-maintains-121st-position-in-2024-corruption-perceptions-index
4. https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/uzbekistan
5. https://thediplomat.com/2025/02/uzbekistans-corruption-crackdown-progress-or-perpetual-crisis/
6. https://www.transparency.org/en/press/2024-corruption-perceptions-index-authoritarianism-and-weakening-democracy-undermine-action-against-corruption-in-eastern-europe-and-central-asia
7. https://www.u4.no/publications/corruption-and-anti-corruption-efforts-in-uzbekistan
8. https://kun.uz/en/news/2025/02/12/uzbekistan-ranks-121st-in-the-2024-corruption-perception-index
9. https://tradingeconomics.com/uzbekistan/corruption-index
10. https://tradingeconomics.com/uzbekistan/corruption-rank