Yesterday, Brigadier General Henry Isoke, Head of the Anti-Corruption Unit at State House, held an interactive session with 404 staff and students of Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery. The students were undergoing a Patriotism and Mindset Change Training organized by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps Uganda. The training focused on promoting integrity, accountability, and national pride among the youth.
During the engagement, Brig Gen Isoke urged the medical students to embrace patriotism and mindset change as powerful tools in the fight against corruption. He explained that patriotism in the health sector is more than just words—it is reflected in daily actions such as integrity, empathy, discipline, and teamwork in patient care. “Every honest act of care is an act of patriotism,” he emphasized. He also referenced President Yoweri K. Museveni’s call for all citizens to “fight corruption wherever you are, fight for your portion.”
The General highlighted that corruption often begins with individual choices and stressed the importance of accountability, stewardship, and professionalism. Despite ongoing reports of corruption in some government institutions, including the health sector, he acknowledged that the government has made significant strides in improving healthcare. These include expanding ICU capacity, reducing maternal deaths, and sharply decreasing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates.
In his closing remarks, Brig Gen Isoke warned that corruption in healthcare not only steals medicine but also endangers lives and the nation’s future. He encouraged the student nurses and midwives to prepare to play an active role in the fight against corruption once they join the workforce. He also thanked Ms. Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, and her team for their dedication to promoting patriotism among Uganda’s youth.
The General was warmly welcomed by the school’s Principal, Ms. Mulabiza Mebra; Ms. Zalwango Madina, Principal Officer in charge of higher institutions at the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps; and Mr. Waiswa Zawayo, Coordinator of Patriotism in Iganga. His visit reinforced the critical role of integrity and patriotism in shaping a corruption-free health sector.
