Newly certified anti-corruption trainees have been urged to become champions of integrity, transparency, and accountability in their communities and workplaces.
This call was made by Brig Gen Henry Isoke, Head of the Anti-Corruption State House Unit, while delivering a keynote address during the Anti-Corruption Trainees Certification Ceremony held at Hotel Africana and organized by the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU).
The programme was aimed at equipping citizens with the knowledge and practical skills needed to promote integrity, transparency, accountability, and responsible citizenship.
Addressing the graduates and invited guests, Brig Gen Isoke congratulated ACCU for organizing the programme and commended the participants for choosing to join Uganda’s fight against corruption.
“This ceremony is not only about awarding certificates; it is also a celebration of citizens who have committed themselves to the values of integrity and accountability,” he said.
Brig Gen Isoke noted that corruption continues to undermine Uganda’s socio-economic transformation by diverting resources from essential public services, weakening institutions, and denying citizens opportunities for development.
“Corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to national development because it diverts resources meant for the people, weakens public institutions, and limits opportunities for ordinary citizens,” he said, urging the graduates to reject corruption in all its forms, uphold integrity in their personal and professional lives, and use the knowledge they had acquired to promote ethical leadership and positive change.
“I urge you to reject corruption, uphold integrity, and use the knowledge you have gained to promote ethical leadership and positive change in your communities,” he said.
Brig Gen Isoke also revealed that following engagements with ACCU Executive Director Marlon Agaba, he intends to advocate for anti-corruption and integrity training to become a mandatory requirement for all public servants before assuming office.
“Making anti-corruption and integrity training mandatory for all public servants before they assume office would strengthen accountability across the public service,” he said.
Brig Gen Isoke further called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society organizations, development partners, and citizens in advancing the fight against corruption.
He reminded the graduates that the true value of their certificates would be reflected in the integrity they demonstrate in their daily conduct and public service.
“The true value of these certificates will be seen in the integrity you demonstrate through your actions and service to the nation,” he said.
Brig Gen Isoke also urged all Ugandans to actively report corruption, emphasizing that silence allows corruption to flourish.
“See Something, Say Something. Corruption thrives when good people remain silent,” he said.
In his remarks, Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU) Executive Director Mr. Marlon Agaba congratulated the participants upon successfully completing the training and commended the ongoing efforts of accountability institutions, including the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Inspectorate of Government, and the Uganda Police Force, in advancing the anti-corruption agenda.
Agaba explained that the training programme was designed to equip citizens, particularly young people, with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to fulfil their constitutional duty of combating corruption.
“This programme was designed to empower citizens, especially young people, with the knowledge and practical skills needed to participate meaningfully in the fight against corruption,” he said, urging the graduates to apply the knowledge they had acquired responsibly and to support anti-corruption efforts within the framework of the law.
The ceremony was also attended by the Special Presidential Assistant on Anti-Corruption, Rebecca Atwine, alongside representatives from accountability institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders committed to promoting transparency and integrity in Uganda.
