Date: January 10, 2025
The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brig Gen Henry Isoke, held an interactive session with 725 student leaders from universities and higher institutions of learning across the country. The engagement took place at Nkumba University, Entebbe, where the student leaders are undergoing a Patriotism and Ideological Training Program.
Brig Gen Isoke was welcomed by Col Justus Rukondo, Camp Commandant in charge of the program’s coordination, and Lt Col Akasius Mpabaisi, the Chief Instructor.
In his presentation, Brig Gen Isoke highlighted the enormous cost of corruption, noting its devastating effects on national development. Among its many consequences, he pointed out:
- Brain drain – Between 2018 and 2022, Uganda externalized close to 230,000 young migrant workers, mostly to the Middle East, in search of better opportunities.
- Distorted resource allocation and reduced foreign investment
- Increased income inequality
- Compromised infrastructure, poor healthcare, and environmental degradation
He emphasized that corruption not only weakens governance systems but also undermines the wellbeing of citizens.
The General reminded the student leaders that Uganda has strong legal and institutional mechanisms in place to combat corruption, including the Anti-Corruption Act, the Whistleblowers Protection Act, and technological interventions such as e-government procurement. Key institutions—such as the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), SH-ACU, and the Anti-Corruption Court—were specifically established to enforce accountability.
“The laws are not the problem; they are sufficient to address the vice. What we need is to effectively utilize these frameworks to decisively defeat corruption,” Brig Gen Isoke stressed.
Students, in their contribution, highlighted the need for increased sensitization of both the public and enforcement officers on the proper application of these laws.
Despite the persistence of corruption, Brig Gen Isoke noted that Uganda has made notable progress, including:
- GDP growth of 6% in FY 2023/24
- Increased life expectancy to 68.2 years
- Attainment of lower middle-income status
He further pointed to youth-focused initiatives such as the Presidential Industrial Hubs and the Youth Livelihood Program as essential vehicles for wealth creation and economic transformation.
Brig Gen Isoke concluded by emphasizing that defeating corruption is key to enhancing national development. He credited the NRM government, under the leadership of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for establishing robust anti-corruption laws, institutions, and mass mobilization efforts through initiatives such as patriotic clubs.
He commended the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) for promoting patriotism among the youth and thanked the leadership of Nkumba University for hosting the program.
“You, as student leaders, must continue to take part in patriotic programs to strengthen your moral and ethical values. With your energy and integrity, Uganda can build a future free of corruption,” Brig Gen Isoke told the youth.