Makerere University Chancellor Dr Crispus Kiyonga has challenged young Ugandans to reject bribery and corruption, warning that the vice continues to deny citizens access to jobs and public services.
Speaking during the 19th graduation ceremony of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in Nakawa on Friday, Dr Kiyonga said corruption affects every Ugandan regardless of social status and must be confronted collectively.
“Corruption is a very bad thing. It undermines all of us whenever we ask for services that are due to us,” he said.
Dr Kiyonga told graduates that many young people are now being asked to pay between Shs5 million and Shs10 million to secure jobs, a practice he described as dangerous and unsustainable.
“They go for interviews and are told clearly that if you do not part with Shs5 million or Shs10 million, you will not get the job,” he said.
He questioned the logic of paying huge sums of money for jobs that offer modest salaries, saying many young people end up borrowing money from relatives to bribe officials.
“If all of us who are asked to pay money refuse, that would be part of the struggle,” he said.
The Chancellor urged graduates to resist participating in corruption even if it means missing out on opportunities.
“I would rather not take the job because encouraging corruption is going to cause problems,” he said.
Drawing from his own political experience, Dr Kiyonga recalled refusing to join Parliament after the disputed 1980 elections because he believed the process lacked legitimacy.
“I refused to go to that Parliament because it had no moral authority,” he said.
He warned that corruption continues to slow Uganda’s development and weakens public institutions.
“If we in Uganda individually and collectively do not stand firmly against corruption, we remain behind,” he said.
The anti-corruption message was echoed by Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented Makerere University Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe at the ceremony.
Prof Buyinza urged graduates to remain ethical and avoid practices that could derail their future.
“You can only play your role in society if you avoid corruption, drugs and other vices that will bring you down,” he said.
In his address, the Principal of Makerere University Business School , Prof Moses Muhwezi , reaffirmed MUBS’ commitment to academic excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic transformation.
He congratulated the 751 graduands, including inmates from Luzira Prison, applauds outstanding students and newly promoted professors, and encourages graduates to remain disciplined, solution-oriented, and committed to lifelong growth as they step into the future.
"It has been a journey to lead your grow and to be part of your history. We want to appreciate the parents and guardians, sponsors and all staff of MUBS for the support extended," Muhwezi said.
He added, "My prayer is that you will all be abundantly blessed and that God's grace will always follow you."
The graduation ceremony saw 751 students awarded qualifications in postgraduate diploma, diploma and certificate programmes, including inmates from Luzira Prison.