Mukono, Uganda: Uganda’s Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, has urged Ugandan youth to embrace integrity as a frontline weapon in the national fight against corruption.
Speaking at Uganda Christian University (UCU) during an engagement centered on her recently launched memoir “The Touch of Humility: Leading with Compassion and Purpose,” Dr. Okiria emphasized that the future of Uganda’s governance depends on instilling accountability and ethical leadership in the country’s youth, who make up over 70% of the population, according to the 2024 National Census.
“As we collectively work towards a corruption-free Uganda, it is essential that our youth understand their role in promoting integrity,” Dr. Okiria said.
The event, attended by students from various higher learning institutions across Uganda, served both as a review of her 201-page biography and as a recruitment ground for young anti-corruption ambassadors under the Inspectorate’s Integrity Days initiative, to foster a culture of transparency and civic responsibility among the younger generation.
Launched by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, Dr. Okiria’s memoir outlines her personal journey as Deputy IGG and her philosophy on leadership grounded in humility. Through case studies and real-life experiences, she demonstrates how ethical decision-making, transparency, and courage can anchor good governance.
“The book is more than just a memoir; it is a call to action for every Ugandan to engage in the fight against corruption. It serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging a united front while inspiring young leaders to carry the torch of accountability and transparency,” she added.
The Deputy IGG emphasized that building a culture of honesty requires a deliberate societal shift, a mission she and her team have taken up by organizing Integrity Days workshops, interactive discussions, and public education initiatives targeting youth.
UCU’s Guild president of Law Development Centre (LDC) for Kampala campus, H.E. John Vianny Ayebare, described Dr. Okiria as “a powerful voice and catalyst for Uganda’s transformation through her decent work against corruption.”
“The book marks not just a personal achievement, but a collective movement toward a more accountable future for the nation. It also serves as a practical guide for Ugandans of all ages on how to actively participate in the fight against corrupt practices,” Ayebare said.
Ms Natasha Ampumuza, the national coordinator for LDC student leaders, hailed Dr. Okiria’s grassroots engagement, particularly through the YO-SPACE platform. “She has unpacked the 10 national values from the National Value Policy and explained their relevance in the fight against corruption, empowering young people to report cases and serve with integrity,” she noted.
Dr. Okiria’s memoir challenges misconceptions about humility, rejecting the view that it signals weakness. Instead, she positions humility as a strength that allows leaders to empathize, listen, learn, and evolve, qualities she insists are vital to creating an ethical public service.
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