The 'Driver' recreational park in the center of the Konimekh district, Navoi region, has been completely reconstructed as part of program implementation projects. The main goal of this project was to create a modern place for public recreation and to organize service sector facilities in this area.
As part of the project, an electrical network with a length of 0.05 kilometers and a voltage of 0.4–10 kV was laid using budget funds, and a transformer with a capacity of 630 kVA was installed. Additionally, fountains with a diameter of 12 meters and fountains measuring 52x2 meters were created.
Nine light structures for barbecues, a decorative iwan with an area of 96 square meters, main and additional entrance gates, a workout area of 364 square meters, benches, 650 meters of iron fencing, and modern surveillance cameras were installed in the recreational park. Eight existing arches were also fully restored.
Currently, entrepreneurs are providing services to the public on 22 land plots allocated for the development of the service sector within the recreational park territory.
A new law has entered into force in Uzbekistan aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the fight against corruption and ensuring accountability for crimes related to corruption. This law, adopted on June 23, 2026, introduces additional changes and amendments to a number of legal acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The President's Address noted that corruption poses a serious threat to state development, hindering the achievement of justice and the rule of law. In this regard, an 'emergency regime' was declared in 2026 to combat this problem. Despite this, the persistently high level of corruption in some sectors requires further improvement in the effectiveness of measures in this area.
The new law, consisting of 12 articles, amends the Codes of Criminal, Criminal Procedure, and Administrative Liability, as well as laws on state policy towards youth, anti-corruption, the Accounts Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan, preschool education and upbringing, education, and public procurement.
One of the most significant changes is the addition of the fourth part to Article 73 of the Criminal Code. According to this provision, the institution of conditional release does not apply to persons convicted of the most dangerous and socially disruptive crimes, as well as those who have repeatedly committed crimes or acted as intermediaries in receiving or transferring large bribes.
Thus, a official who used state or public funds for personal gain must serve the prescribed punishment in full and without any benefits. This norm is intended to restore the principles of justice in society and strengthen the sense of the rule of law among officials.
Furthermore, the qualification criteria for crimes related to embezzlement or misappropriation through seizure or theft are being revised, and these acts are being reclassified as more serious offenses. Articles 167 and 168 of the Criminal Code, concerning abuse of office or misuse of official position, have been moved to more severe parts, providing for imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Article 167 of the Criminal Code was also amended, where the crime committed by abusing official authority was moved to the third part of Article 167, point 'd'. Similarly, the crime of fraud committed 'using official position' was moved to point 'g' of the fourth part of Article 168 of the Criminal Code.
These changes significantly tighten sanctions by reclassifying relevant acts as serious crimes. A legal problem that arose when sentencing imprisonment for fraud committed without using an official position has been resolved. Previously, there was a situation where courts were forced to apply Article 57 of the Criminal Code to resolve the contradiction between sanctions and practice.
The system for combating corruption in the non-profit sector has been fundamentally improved. Based on the recommendations of the Istanbul Roadmap for Combating Corruption, adopted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, important additions have been made to the Criminal Code.
For officials of commercial or non-profit organizations who receive bribes, an alternative penalty of restriction of liberty for up to one year or imprisonment for up to one year is provided. Additionally, a new qualifying feature has been introduced—'if committed for selfish motives,' which allows for a clear assessment of the official's personal interest.
The law uses terms such as 'corruption,' 'corruption-related offenses,' 'crimes related to corruption,' 'liability for corruption-related offenses,' and 'protection of persons providing information about corruption-related offenses.' Although the Anti-Corruption Law does not define all types of crimes related to corruption, Chapter Eight of the Criminal Code has been added to define these crimes.
Changes to the Criminal Code also required the adaptation of procedural norms of the Criminal Procedure Code, as some corruption crimes were reclassified into a more severe category. The Anti-Corruption Law strengthens mechanisms for preventing conflicts of interest and assessing corruption risks in the activities of civil servants. The powers and duties of compliance and internal anti-corruption control structures have been defined.
These structures have the right to freely visit the premises of relevant organizations and submit proposals for the dismissal or appointment of employees in case of identifying corrupt situations. The Anti-Corruption Agency has been tasked with developing a map of corruption risks in all state bodies, organizations, regions, and sectors.
Overall, the law contributes to creating an uncompromising environment against corruption, restricts the theft of state and budget funds, ensures transparency in education, youth policy, and public procurement, guaranteeing the principle of inevitable responsibility for any corruption offenses and crimes.
In connection with Anti-Drug Day, an important educational meeting was held in the Yakkasaroy district. The goal of the event was to protect young people from harmful vices, as well as to increase their legal awareness and responsibility.
At the meeting, a call from the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva, was presented, emphasizing that drug addiction poses a serious threat to life, family, and the future of society. It was noted that the new law provides for strict measures against modern methods of distributing narcotic substances, paying special attention to the protection of minors. Participants discussed the need to form a negative attitude towards drugs among youth, promote a healthy lifestyle, and enhance legal culture.
Reforms are being conducted in the country with the goal of making public administration more open, effective, and closer to the needs of the population, as well as strengthening institutional control over the activities of state bodies. An important aspect is the implementation of the State Program related to the 'Uzbekistan – 2030' strategy and the year 'Environmental Protection and Green Economy'. Last year, a number of measures were taken to ensure the rule of law, organize public administration in the field of public services, strengthen public safety, and improve the quality of public services. Special attention is paid to receiving citizens' suggestions and opinions to protect their interests. In particular, significant changes have been made to the legislation regulating the activities of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. According to the new law, before submitting a bill to parliament, legal and anti-corruption expertise and public discussions are required, which enhances the quality of adopted laws.
