Corruption Undermines National Development, Leads To Brain Drain - Gen Isoke

The Head of State house Anti Graft, Brig Gen Henry Isoke, had an interaction with 725 University student leaders and other leaders from higher institutions of learning from across the country who are on a Patriotism and Ideological training program at Nkumba University, Entebbe.

 Gen Isoke was received by Col Justus Rukondo, Camp Commandant, responsible for the coordination of the training program, and Lt Col Akasius Mpabaisi, the Chief Instructor.

In his presentation to the participants, Gen Isoke observed that the cost of corruption is enormous; among others, it leads to brain drain as human resource is lost to other countries on account of better terms of service.

He noted that between 2018 and 2022, Uganda externalized a total of close to 230,000 young migrant workers to different countries, especially in the Middle East.

 Corruption severely undermines national development by distorting resource allocation, reducing foreign investment, and increasing income inequality. Other consequences include compromised infrastructure, poor healthcare, and environmental degradation.

The General reminded the Youth leaders that the government has enacted comprehensive legal and institutional frameworks, including the Anti-Corruption Act and Whistleblowers Protection Act, alongside technological solutions like e-government procurement.

Institutions including IGG, PPDA, DPP, SH-ACU, and the Anti-Corruption Court, among others, were established and mandated to combat corruption in the country.

 He added that the laws are not the problem; they are sufficient to address the vice; all we need is to utilize these frameworks to decisively defeat corruption in the country. In their contribution, the students observed the need to sensitize the masses and enforcement officers on the effective application of the laws.

Gen Isoke observed that despite the prevalence of corruption, Uganda has made notable progress, including improved GDP growth (6% in FY 2023/24), increased life expectancy (68.2 years), and elevation of the country to lower middle-income status.

The General highlighted youth-centric initiatives such as the Presidential Industrial Hubs and the Youth Livelihood Program as critical for wealth creation and economic transformation.

Brig. Gen. Isoke concluded by noting that to enhance our country’s national development, there is a need to ensure the vice of corruption is defeated. 

The NRM government, under the visionary leadership of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has put in place legislations and institutions to fight corruption. The masses are being mobilized through various efforts, including patriotic clubs.

He commended the Commissioner, National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), and her team for their effort in promoting patriotism among the youth, and also for inviting him to participate and share his experience with the student leaders.

3He acknowledged Nkumba University leadership for providing the venue and facilities to support this training. 

The General also thanked the student leaders for participating in the training and encouraged them to continue taking part in such patriotic programmes, to strengthen their moral and ethical values.