Gov’t Mandates Anti-Corruption Lessons in Primary Schools

Summary:

• The Directorate of Ethics and Integrity mandates anti-corruption lessons in primary school syllabi to combat corruption at its roots. Collaboration with the Education Ministry aims to instill ethical values in youth. Despite challenges, Uganda remains committed to implementing the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, ratified in 2004.

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The Directorate of Ethics and Integrity (DEI) within the government has mandated the inclusion of anti-corruption lessons in the syllabi of all primary schools. This initiative, announced during a review of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in Kampala, underscores a concerted effort to combat corruption at its roots.

Nicholas Abola, the Commissioner for Communication and Information at DEI, emphasized the imperative of shaping the moral compass of young individuals to resist corruption temptations. Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Education, DEI has spearheaded recent curriculum changes aimed at instilling ethical values from an early age.

“We’re actively establishing clubs where children can learn about corruption and champion ethical principles,” stated Abola, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the Education ministry.

While formal inclusion of corruption-specific lessons is pending, educators like Sania Nagaddya have integrated topics addressing corruption within existing frameworks. Initiatives such as patriotic clubs serve to sensitize students about ethics and integrity, paving the way for a morally upright future generation.

Dennis Mujimba, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education and Sports, underscored that the updated curriculum, initiated in 2020, encompasses diverse aspects of life, including a concerted stance against corruption.

“The new curriculum not only raises awareness about various forms of corruption but also instills the values of integrity in students’ daily lives,” affirmed Mujimba.

However, challenges persist, as highlighted by Rose Lilly Akello, the State Minister for Ethics and Integrity. She lamented the difficulty in procuring sufficient evidence for asset recovery, underscoring an ongoing obstacle in combating corruption effectively.

The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), a pivotal international anti-corruption treaty, serves as a cornerstone in global efforts against corruption. Uganda’s commitment to the UNCAC, ratified in 2004, underscores ongoing endeavors to uphold its principles and implement measures to combat corruption effectively.