Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, has called on Uganda’s youth to take an active role in fighting corruption, emphasizing their critical responsibility in shaping a corruption-free society. Speaking at the launch of the National Students Participation in the Fight Against Corruption program at Makerere University, Isoke urged young people to reflect on their personal role in addressing the vice.
“While you may criticize the government, what have you personally done to fight corruption? Each of us has a role to play,” he challenged the youth, encouraging them to become part of the solution.
The event, organized by the Makerere University Guild President’s office, focused on youth perspectives on corruption’s impact on social and economic transformation. Themed “Universities Without Walls: Revolutionising University Institutions as the Engine for Transformational Sustainability,” the dialogue highlighted students’ roles in creating a corruption-free society.
Gen. Isoke also praised the government’s efforts, noting President Yoweri Museveni’s dedication to establishing frameworks and laws to combat corruption. “The President has developed robust institutional frameworks and enacted several laws,” he said, calling on the youth to think critically and approach issues analytically, rather than reactively.
Isoke revealed the significant workload handled by the Anti-Corruption Unit, which receives up to 200 complaints daily. Since its inception, the unit has processed over 687,000 cases, leading to the conviction of over 100 individuals, including both public and private sector actors.
He cautioned young people against being manipulated by individuals with hidden agendas and stressed the importance of informed, non-violent activism. “Don’t allow yourselves to be used as pawns. Be aware that some protests are driven by ulterior motives,” Isoke warned.
Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, echoed Isoke’s sentiments, stressing the importance of youth involvement in tackling corruption and unemployment. “Our President encourages every able-bodied Ugandan to contribute to their own welfare,” she said.
Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe also spoke at the event, urging intellectual debate as a means to address corruption and calling for a shift in attitudes that perpetuate corrupt behavior.
The program concluded with a call for increased youth engagement in national transformation, underscoring that the fight against corruption begins with individual responsibility.
