September 13, 2024. In an effort to enhance youth engagement and participation in the fight against corruption, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, along with the Head of the State House Investors’ Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, joined students at Makerere University and other universities for a public dialogue. The event, organized by the Makerere University Guild, focused on youth and students’ perspectives on the impact of corruption on social and economic transformation in Uganda.
The dialogue highlighted the importance of engaging young voices, particularly university students, as key players in the fight against corruption. Their views are critical in shaping the narrative toward a corruption-free Uganda, a goal shared by SHACU and the Government.
Brig. Gen. Isoke expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Makerere University, particularly Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, as well as the students from Makerere and other universities for their commitment to this important cause. He extended his gratitude to Col. Edith Nakalema for coordinating with student leaders to convene the dialogue and for her tireless efforts in fighting corruption.
Addressing the students, Brig. Gen. Isoke emphasized that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility. He highlighted the four pillars of national development—Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation, and Democracy—and encouraged the students to promote these values. He urged them to be independent thinkers, free from manipulation by those with unpatriotic agendas.
Brig Gen Isoke also commended the students for articulating their views on corruption and assured them of the government’s strong commitment to eliminating the vice. He outlined the ongoing efforts by the government and SHACU to fight corruption, emphasizing that the involvement of Uganda’s youth is crucial in achieving meaningful progress.
Head SHIP, Col. Nakalema echoed the importance of youth involvement in national development, emphasizing their role in fighting unemployment and corruption. She urged the students to unite as co-creators of wealth and champions of Uganda’s progress. Quoting George Bernard Shaw, she stressed that poverty is “the greatest of evils” and called on young Ugandans to actively improve their welfare and that of their communities.
Makerere University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere University’s reputation as a global leader in innovation and excellence, citing the institution’s groundbreaking achievements such as developing Africa’s first electric car. He stressed that fighting corruption begins with individual mindsets and encouraged students to use their intellectual abilities to address the systemic issues that foster corruption.
Makerere University Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba and other student leaders spoke on the moral, political, and economic complexities of corruption, advocating for educational reforms to instil anti-corruption values from an early age.
As part of this commitment to youth engagement, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, together with Col. Edith Nakalema, the Dean of Students Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli, and the Guild President of Makerere University, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, officially launched the National Students’ Association Against Corruption. This new umbrella body will empower and unite students from various institutions to spearhead and engage in anti-corruption initiatives within their communities, further strengthening the fight against corruption at all levels.
