Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, has urged student leaders to take on the role of change-makers in the fight against corruption, emphasizing their potential impact on Uganda’s national development.
He pointed out that corruption hampers the fair allocation of resources among the populace, exacerbates income disparities, and weakens social welfare initiatives. This, in turn, leads to diminished human development, which can jeopardize sustainable growth and equality in the long run.
“As a student leader at your level, what is your role in fighting corruption, together we can end this war called corruption in our country. You and me, how we position ourselves in fighting corruption has a big contribution to the overall efforts but most importantly, it is a duty of every citizen according to article 17(1)(i) constitution of Uganda. It is therefore a duty of us all to combat corruption and misuse or wastage of public property,” he noted.
He was giving a lecture on opportunities to student leaders from various higher education institutions nationwide, who are taking part in the ongoing patriotism and ideological training program at Nkumba University in Entebbe.
During his presentation, he pointed out the staggering costs of corruption, noting that it contributes significantly to brain drain, as talented individuals seek better employment conditions abroad.
“Corruption severely undermines national development by distorting resource allocation, reducing foreign investment, and increasing income inequality. Other consequences include compromised infrastructure, poor healthcare, and environmental degradation.” he added
But he also emphasized that the government has put in place extensive legal and institutional measures, such as the Anti-Corruption Act and the Whistleblowers Protection Act, along with technological advancements like e-government procurement.
Various institutions, including the Inspectorate of Government (IG), Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA), Directorate of Public Procurement (DPP), SH-ACU, and the Anti-Corruption Court, have been created and tasked with the mission of fighting corruption in the nation.
“To enhance our country’s national development, there is a need to ensure the vice of corruption, which is a key obstacle, is defeated. The NRM government, under the visionary leadership of H.E the President, has put in place legislations and institutions to combat corruption. The masses are being mobilized through various efforts, including promoting patriotism through programs like this one,” he stated.
He added that the laws are not the problem; they are sufficient to address the vice; all we need is to utilize these frameworks to decisively defeat corruption in the country urging the public to always see something and say something in order to win the war against corruption and propel Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
“From my own understanding, corruption is being done by Ugandans who are not patriotic in their hearts, and there is a need to preach the gospel of patriotism to some category of leaders so that they serve with love and passion of their country,” he observed.
He commended the Commissioner, National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), and her team for their effort in promoting patriotism among the youth, and also for inviting him to participate and share his experience with the student leaders.
“We commend the effort of the NSPC and Commissioner Hellen Seku for the contribution in this effort and also inviting me to participate and share my experience with the university student leaders,”
“I also want to thank all the student leaders who have willingly participated in this training. I encourage you to continue taking part in such patriotic programmes, to strengthen your moral and ethical values.” he emphasized.
In their contribution, the students observed the need to sensitize the masses and enforcement officers we encourage every citizen to always.
“Others are ignorant about the impact of corruption to the nation, therefore the Unit should go to the grassroot to inculcate the public on the dangers of corruption and other unpatriotic methods of work.” Ivan Mwebesa, a student leader at MTAC noted.
Isoke observed that despite the prevalence of corruption, Uganda has made notable progress, including improved GDP growth (6% in FY 2023/24), increased life expectancy (68.2 years), and elevation of the country to lower middle-income status.
The training is organized by NSPC with Seku at its helm, commenced on January 3, 2025, aims to equip student leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to become informed and patriotic leaders.
It is part of the National Students Patriotism Club’s (NSPC) efforts to promote patriotism and national unity within the country.
The training emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility and encourages young leaders to actively participate in building a better future for Uganda.
President Museveni and First Lady and Minister of Education Janet Museveni will officially close the training on January 17.
