Masindi calls for anti-corruption debates in schools to prevent bribery

Local leaders and teachers in Masindi district are pushing for debates on corruption to be held in schools to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to face corruption in the future.

Godfrey Baharagate, Masindi Municipal Education Officer, stressed the importance of equipping students with a sound knowledge of corruption-related laws and policies.

“We need to ensure that our students are well-prepared to debate these important issues by providing them with access to relevant information and encouraging them to benefit from mentoring from knowledgeable people,” he said.

He added that students should be trained to research applicable laws, public service standards and codes of ethics to deepen their knowledge of management.

“Debates should be learning opportunities that help students understand the laws that govern them and the ethical standards required in public service,” Baharagate said.

Kyetume Kasanga, Commissioner for Information Monitoring and Secretary of the Uganda Media Council, stressed the importance of developing a sense of responsibility in future leaders.

“These debates should not only be about winning arguments, but also about instilling a sense of responsibility among young people. They must understand that they are future leaders and have a responsibility to uphold transparency and integrity,” Kyetume said.

He encouraged students to familiarize themselves with the Uganda Youth Act and the Constitution, which define their rights and responsibilities, and urged school administrations to support students participating in government-led anti-corruption initiatives.

“There are many government programs aimed at fighting corruption and young people need to get involved to contribute to these efforts in their communities,” he added.

Christopher Kugonza, Western Region Coordinator of the Uganda Students Association, said early education in ethical conduct would raise a generation committed to responsibility.

“We need to build a culture of responsibility, starting with young people. These discussions will help students understand the devastating impact of corruption on society and equip them with the tools to take a stand against it,” he said.

Musa Manya, former president of the Masindi Students’ Association, pointed out that corruption affects every sector and proposed inter-school debates to encourage critical thinking and leadership.

“We need to fight corruption now so that we don’t face it after we graduate and start looking for a job. Engaging students early will enable them to better cope with challenges in the job market,” Manya said.

Likewise, Laurence Byaruganda, principal of St. Patrick’s Primary School. Lawrence in Masindi, said debates on corruption would help children understand ethics and transparency at an early stage.

Adolf Kato, deputy education officer for Masindi district, noted that the creation of debate platforms would enable students to hold schools and future employers accountable.

“Corruption is a national problem that we must tackle on all fronts. By engaging students in these debates, we can improve their understanding of governance and the importance of transparency. This will help them recognize unethical behavior early and avoid corrupt practices,” Kato said.

He also encouraged schools to give student leaders a more active role in advising on policy, putting the well-being of students first.

Masindi’s council of student leaders has agreed to meet annually to assess the progress of debates on corruption and their impact on students and the community. They hope these discussions will shape students as ambassadors of integrity, promoting ethical behavior both in and out of schools.