On Friday, June 16, 2023, Nkumba University held a powerful anti-corruption conference with the theme “Youth owning the war to eliminate corruption.” The event, organized by the Nkumba University Integrity Club in collaboration with the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe, aimed to raise awareness about corruption and empower young people to take the lead in the fight against graft.
The conference saw a remarkable keynote speech delivered by the Chief Guest, Hon. Beti Kamya, who passionately urged the youth to be the vanguards in eradicating corruption. She emphasized that corruption is a cancer eating away at society and highlighted its adverse effects on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. Poverty, inequality, and a lack of development are just some of the devastating consequences of corruption.
“Corruption is a choice,” Hon. Kamya stated firmly. “And it is a choice that we must all refuse to make. If we want to build a better future for ourselves and our country, then we must all commit to always avoiding corruption.”
The Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University, Prof. Jude Lubega, also addressed the conference, emphasizing the university’s commitment to instilling integrity and ethical behavior in its students. Dr. Frank Pio, the Academic Registrar of Nkumba University, echoed the sentiment and urged young people to become active citizens who hold their leaders accountable.
The highlight of the conference was when all participants took a pledge to fight corruption. They vowed to be whistleblowers and report any instances of corruption to the appropriate authorities. Hon. Beti Kamya, the IGG, strongly encouraged students to actively participate in the Inspectorate of Government’s efforts to eradicate corruption. She highlighted the vital role that young people, as future leaders, play in this mission.
During her speech, Hon. Kamya underscored the presence of incompetent individuals in public offices due to corrupt practices, leading to a subpar workforce in the country. She urged all citizens to take ownership and expose those involved in corruption. The IGG praised instances where citizens had exposed corruption, citing the Mabaati scandal, extortion at Entebbe International Airport, and public outcry regarding potholes in the city as examples of effective anti-corruption actions.
Mr. Amon Muhwezi, President of Nkumba University’s Integrity Ambassadors Club, expressed gratitude to the IGG for encouraging the reporting of corruption cases and providing a financial incentive of 5% of the recovered funds under the Whistleblowers Act. He pledged to mobilize fellow students from various educational institutions to join the fight against corruption, recognizing the significant role they can play in making Uganda corruption-free.
The Inspectorate of Government has implemented a public awareness strategy to engage the youth in combating corruption, which includes the establishment of Integrity Ambassadors Clubs (IACs) in universities, tertiary institutions, and secondary schools. These clubs aim to advocate for and promote the values of integrity and ethical conduct among young people, cultivating a generation committed to fighting corruption in all its forms.
The conference at Nkumba University has set the stage for an empowered and united youth front against corruption, signaling a hopeful and promising future for Uganda’s fight against graft. With the commitment and dedication of young people, backed by government and educational institutions, the nation can strive towards a more transparent, accountable, and corruption-free society.
