Young people have been challenged to take a leading role in Uganda's fight against corruption, with officials describing them as a critical force in protecting public resources and promoting integrity across the country.
The call was made by the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, during the graduation of 50 young people who completed a month-long online Anti-Corruption course organized by the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU).
Speaking at the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Isoke said the fight against corruption should not be left to government institutions alone but requires the active involvement of every Ugandan, especially the youth.
"The fight against corruption concerns every Ugandan, particularly the youth, who have the energy and knowledge needed to drive this campaign. Public resources belong to all Ugandans and must be protected from individuals who misuse them for personal gain," Isoke said.
He revealed that anti-corruption operations are continuing across the country, adding that the State House Anti-Corruption Unit is working closely with leaders at all levels to ensure corrupt individuals are held accountable.
Isoke also commended the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda for equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to become ambassadors in the fight against corruption.
The Special Presidential Assistant on Anti-Corruption, Rebecca Atwine, urged the graduates to uphold integrity and practice what they had learned before demanding accountability from others.
"Start by examining yourselves before pointing fingers at government institutions. Remain focused, avoid being distracted, and apply the knowledge you have gained to strengthen the fight against corruption," Atwine said.
She encouraged the graduates to support government efforts aimed at eliminating corruption and to remain courageous, honest, determined and principled even when faced with challenges.
"Be role models in your communities. Let your courage, integrity and commitment inspire others to join the campaign against corruption," she added.
The Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda, Agaba Malani, welcomed the government's renewed commitment to combating corruption, saying the partnership was encouraging civil society organizations working to promote accountability.
"We are encouraged by the government's commitment to fighting corruption. However, we urge young people to pursue this cause through lawful means to avoid unnecessary conflicts with the law," Malani said.
He further challenged the graduates to put the skills acquired during the training into practice instead of remaining passive after completing the course.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, the participants thanked the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda for the training and pledged to use the knowledge they had acquired to promote transparency and accountability in their communities.
During the event, the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda also announced plans to establish a national training institute within the next five years to provide continuous education for Ugandans on anti-corruption, ethics and good governance as part of efforts to strengthen the country's fight against corruption.
