In a resounding effort to combat corruption and inspire change, Kabale University became the battleground for a remarkable initiative on Saturday, 4th May, 2024. The event, hosted by The Becoming A New Generation (BANG) Club Kabale University in collaboration with the 8th Guild Government, Kick Corruption out of Uganda (KICK-U), and Family Life Network marked the culmination of the Grand Awarding Ceremony for the Kabale University Anti-Corruption Challenge. This event, held in the Teaching Facility at Kabale University, aimed to raise student voices and provide a platform for them to actively engage in the fight against corruption through creative expressions such as poems, speeches, articles, essays, and songs.
The challenge, which ran from 5th April to 4th May 2024, attracted a large number of participants, including Kabale University students, the 8th Guild President of Kabale University, the Dean of students, and the Executive Director of Kick Corruption out of Uganda (KICK-U). The organizing team, comprising Hon. Grace Ayebazibwe, Mr. Niwamanya Anxious, Hon. Akandwanaho Gracious, Kyasiimire Bridget, Patrick Kawesi, and Alor Mathew Awany, worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event.
"In hosting this challenge, our aim was to empower students to become advocates for transparency, accountability, and responsibility. Through creative expressions like poetry, articles, speeches, and songs, we provide a platform for young voices to denounce corruption and propose actionable solutions," said Mr. Niwamanya Anxious, the Team Leader and President of BANG CLUB Kabale university.
The theme for the challenge was "CORRUPTION IN DIFFERENT SECTORS: VOICES FOR CHANGE." Participants were expected to explore corruption in different thematic areas, including education, infrastructure, health, governance, and the environment, clearly highlighting its impact and suggesting ways to address it. The challenge encouraged participants to relate their findings in these fields to sectoral budget allocations, such as schools, hospitals, and roads, and suggest actions that citizens and duty bearers can take to address the situation.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Kakuru Robert Byamugisha, the Executive Director of Kick Corruption out of Uganda (KICK-U), and a PhD Student of Public Administration and Management (PhDPAM) at Kabale University, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the topic: "The Role of Young People in Transparency and Accountability." Drawing from his experience as a former Guild President and Guild Speaker at Kabale University, Mr. Kakuru highlighted the importance of young people in addressing corruption.
He began by thanking the organizing team for their efforts and emphasized the need for young people to take a stand against corruption. "We are the government; we are supposed to serve the people. Corruption creates a dangerous imbalance between those who have and those who don’t," he stated. He also touched on the issue of corruption in different sectors, noting the impact it has on society. Mr. Kakuru shared insights on various forms of corruption, including grand corruption and political corruption. He highlighted the need for citizens to be vigilant and hold leaders accountable. "Corruption has been institutionalized in Uganda. It is systematic and deeply rooted in our institutions," he remarked.
He concluded his remarks by commending the participants for their efforts in the Anti-Corruption Challenge. "Congratulations, my brothers and sisters, for unveiling your voices against corruption. This is a significant step in the fight against corruption," he said. He pledged continued support from KICK-U and encouraged the students to remain steadfast in their commitment to fighting corruption.
The event also featured remarks from the 8th Guild President, Mr. Ahumuza Levicato, who praised the efforts of the organizing team and encouraged students to continue fighting against corruption. "Fighting corruption is for everyone, and together, we can eradicate it from Uganda. I commend the organizers for this initiative and encourage all students to continue the fight against corruption," he said.
Madam Asingwire Christine, the Assistant Administrative Officer in the Office of the Dean of Students speaking on behalf of the Dean of students, reiterated the university's commitment to supporting students in their academic and anti-corruption endeavors. "The office of the Dean of students is committed to supporting students in their academic and anti-corruption endeavors. We encourage students to be hungry for information and to always stand against corruption," she said.
Madam Christine also shared personal stories and advice for the students. "When you are young and you are against corruption, even when you reach in the office, you will be against corruption...Fighting corruption goes hand in hand with kindness," she emphasized.
The highlight of the event was the awarding of prizes to the winners of the challenge, including Tweyongyere Rolland for speech, Tiragana Immaculate for poem, Twasima Catherine and Akandwanaho Gracious for articles, and Ankunda Festo Jacob for essay. The winners received medals and certificates, with Mr. Kakuru Robert and other dignitaries presenting the awards.
The success of the event was also attributed to partnerships with organizations such as Kick Corruption Out of Uganda (KICK-U), Family Life Network, Agape Community Transformation (ACCT), National Debate Council Uganda (NDC), and Kabale University 8th Guild. These partnerships demonstrated a collective commitment to fighting corruption and promoting integrity among the youth, setting a high standard for future editions of the Anti-Corruption Challenge at Kabale University.
Through creativity and advocacy, the students of Kabale University have shown that they are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the champions of integrity and transparency today.
