Cultural, religious institutions to implement national ethical values-Gov't

Government to use cultural and religious institutions to effectively implement the National Ethical Values among the public.

The Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Ethics and Integrity (DEI), Alex Okello said they want the values to be inculcated right from the grassroots.

"We believe cultural and religious can play a big role in their communities. We must change our people's mindsets if we are to have a good citizenry," he noted.

He was speaking at a National Stakeholders dissemination meeting on the National Ethical Values at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Friday.

Okello said they have already started holding meeting with various religious leaders and cultural leaders to sensitize them about the policy and how it can implemented.

He noted that among the key issues they want to fight is theft (corruption) to ensure that Ugandans start shunning those involved.

"We want people to know that calling you a thief is bad. But in Uganda today calling someone a thief seems normal. We want theft to be known as an abomination and those involved to be rejected," he added.

He stressed that all stakeholders must work towards changing the ethical conduct of Ugandans through enforcing the national values at various levels.

"We should teach the children what we want to them to be. In the b1960s, the literacy levels were low but values were respected. Today, things are different yet many are educated," he said.

While making a presentation on the policy, Robinson Oduka said they have already partnered with Buganda and Bunyoro kingdoms on promoting ethical conduct among their communities.

"Because of this engagement, it is now a requirement for a man to plant seven trees at his in-laws' home on introduction. Those without enough land; the kingdom provides land for planting trees. This is aimed at preserving the environment under the value; respect for humanity and environment. Just imagine if this is done everywhere, how many trees will Uganda be having in five years to come," he noted.

Buganda also introduced the planting of trees during an introduction as one of the key requirements for one to take someone's daughter.   

He said they continuing to engage other cultural institution to discuss on how they can help.

The policy has 10 values including; respect for humanity and environment, honesty uphold and defend the truth at all times, justice and fairness in dealing with other, hard work for self-reliance, integrity creativity and innovativeness, social responsibility, social harmony, national unity and national consciousness and patriotism.  

The National Ethical Values Policy was launched by President Yoweri Museveni in October 2013. 

Oduka noted that homes have turned into meeting points for parents, leaving their children in the hands of house keepers.

The head of the Born Again Faith, Dr. Joseph Serwadda said implementation of the policy stagnated, because Government had left out religious leaders and other stakeholders.

"I believe direct involvement of religious leaders would lead to a successful story. Churches and mosques have a big platform and can be utilized to inculcate these values with proper guidance," he said.

Imam Idi Kasozi, the head of the Uganda Muslim Youth Assembly and a renowned Muslim scholar, said government must reintroduce civic education back in schools for children to understand "these values".