Youth hold key to ending corruption, says deputy IGG

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Youth have been rallied to embrace the fight against corruption because they hold the key to freeing Uganda from endemic corruption through integrity.

Deputy Inspector General of Government Dr Patricia Achan Okiria made the call during a recent engagement with the youth at the Uganda Christian University about her recently launched book: The Touch of Humility: Leading with Compassion and Purpose in which she demonstrates great passion and commitment to fight corruption to free Uganda.

"As we collectively work towards a corruption-free Uganda, it is essential that our youth understand their role in promoting integrity,” Okiria said.

The event provided a platform for the youth, including students from different learning institutions across the country to not only review Okiria’s book but also as a recruitment ground for anti-corruption crusaders.

The event was part of the ongoing Integrity Days initiative by the inspectorate aimed at fostering a culture of accountability and transparency among the younger generation.

In her 201-page memoir officially launched by Chief Justice Alfonse Dollo recently, Okiria passionately highlights that the future of Uganda lies in the hands of its young people.

The 2024 National Housing and Population Census figures provided that about 70% of the country’s population were young people.

Uganda Christian University student leaders listening to Deputy Inspector General of Government Dr Patricia Achan Okiria during an engagement held at UCU recently. (Courtesy photo)

In her biography, Okiria illustrates how integrity can be integrated into everyday life and governance.

She highlights that building a culture of honesty requires a societal shift, stressing that this partly explains her and the inspectorate’s commitment to youth engagement, including launching additional Integrity Days, where young people can participate in workshops and educational activities focused on anti-corruption, transparency, and ethical decision-making.

“The book is more than just a memoir; it is a call to action for every Ugandan to engage in the fight against corruption. I invite readers to reflect on their roles in promoting integrity within their communities. The book serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging a united front against corruption while inspiring young leaders to carry the torch of accountability and transparency,” Okiria said.

In the book, she candidly shares her insights from her extensive experience as the deputy IGG, outlining both her personal journey and practical strategies for achieving honest governance.

Okiria encapsulates her relentless pursuit against corruption in Uganda and reflects her achievements in fostering a culture of integrity, especially among youth.

The book is structured around a series of narratives and case studies, each highlighting different facets of humility and its application in real-world scenarios.

One of the standout features of Okiria’s book is its emphasis on the relationship between humility and leadership. She argues that true leadership is rooted in the ability to listen, empathise, and adapt qualities that are inherently linked to humility.

Powerful voice

John Vianny Ayebare, the guild president of the Law Development Centre (LDC) Kampala campus, celebrated the deputy IGG for being a powerful voice and a catalyst of Uganda’s transformation through her decent work against corruption.

“The book marks not just a personal achievement, but a collective movement towards a brighter and more accountable future for the nation.  Her book not only chronicles her personal journey and professional milestones but also serves as a practical guide for Ugandans of all ages on how to actively participate in the fight against corrupt practices,” Ayebare said.

He added, “The Touch of Humility" by Okiria is a reflective and insightful exploration of the concept of humility and its transformative power in both personal and professional realms.”

Okiria in her book goes on to stress the urgency of creating more integrity days, aiming to reach even larger audiences, instilling a profound sense of accountability and ethics among the younger generations.

The book goes on to address common misconceptions about humility, challenging the notion that it equates to weakness or passivity it instead posits that humility requires strength and self-awareness, enabling individuals to acknowledge their limitations while remaining open to learning and growth.

According to Natasha Ampumuza, the coordinator of students at different LDC campuses paid tribute to Okiria for being a key player in the significant milestones that have redefined the fight against corruption in the country.

She went on to appreciate the deputy IGG for being the one who introduced the Intergrity Days programme across all the universities.

“Patricia has been instrumental in the integrity campaign with the youth on YO – SPACE. She has with clarity unpacked the 10 national values from the National Value policy and explained their implications, especially to the youth and brought out their role in the fight against corruption in Uganda,” Ampumuza said.

Ampumuza added, “She has empowered the young people to participate in the fight against corruption through reporting cases of corruption to the Inspectorate of Government. She has used this space to mentor young leaders and encouraged them to serve with integrity.”