Gen. Isoke speaking at the event.
The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, has said citizens are key to winning Uganda’s fight against corruption, which he described as a major threat to the country’s economic transformation.
Speaking during the Anti-Corruption Trainees Certification Ceremony at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Isoke said corruption continues to drain public resources, weaken institutions and deny citizens access to quality public services and development opportunities.
“Corruption is a great obstacle to Uganda’s economic transformation. It weakens institutions and undermines public trust,” Isoke said.
He said while government has established institutions and legal frameworks to combat corruption, success will depend on active citizen participation.
“Government institutions alone cannot defeat corruption. It requires active and responsible citizens to report and reject corrupt practices,” he said.
Isoke was presiding over the graduation of 50 participants who completed anti-corruption training modules covering civic engagement for accountability, anti-corruption advocacy, safeguarding, and introductory anti-corruption principles.
He said corruption is a complex challenge that requires collective action from government, civil society and the public.
“Fighting corruption is very complex, and it is an obligation for all of us. Civic engagement promotes integrity and accountability,” he said.
The graduates were urged to use the skills acquired to promote ethical leadership, transparency and accountability in their communities.
Isoke also said he intends to push for anti-corruption and integrity training to become mandatory for all public servants before they assume office, saying it would strengthen accountability and reinforce ethical conduct across the public service.
He called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens, urging Ugandans to embrace the principle of “See Something, Say Something.”
“The true value of these certificates will be reflected in the integrity you demonstrate. Corruption thrives when good people remain silent,” he said.
The training was organised by the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU) to equip citizens with knowledge and practical skills to promote integrity, transparency, accountability and responsible citizenship.
ACCU Executive Director Marlon Agaba said corruption continues to be sustained by impunity, although ongoing investigations involving Parliament, government ministries and local governments are helping challenge the perception that some people are above the law.
“The challenge of impunity, where some people believe they are untouchable, is being addressed through ongoing investigations in Parliament, government ministries and local governments,” Agaba said.
He said the programme was designed to empower citizens, especially young people, to take part in the fight against corruption through lawful means.
“We want them to become ambassadors in the fight against corruption by resisting it, reporting corrupt public officials and promoting accountability in their communities,” Agaba said.
The event was also attended by the Special Presidential Assistant on Anti-Corruption, Rebecca Atwine.
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