The Woman Member of Parliament for Mpigi District, Teddy Nambooze, has called on schools to play a leading role in nurturing a generation that rejects corruption, saying the fight against the vice must begin in the classroom.
Nambooze made the remarks while officiating at the Music, Dance and Drama Festival at St. Jude Secondary School Katende, where students used performances and skits to highlight the devastating effects of corruption on communities and national development.
She commended the school’s director, Charles Bwenvu, and the administration for their commitment to providing quality education and creating platforms that promote integrity, patriotism and responsible citizenship among learners.
The festival featured various student groups presenting dramas, poems and performances that advocated for transparency, accountability and ethical leadership, with many of the presentations focusing on the need to eliminate corruption from public service and society.
Addressing students and teachers, Nambooze described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to Uganda’s development, saying it continues to undermine service delivery in key sectors such as education and health.
“If we enforce discipline and integrity in the way we carry out our duties as a country, and understand what is right and wrong in the fight against corruption, we shall build patriotism and discipline,” she said.
She noted that many Ugandans would avoid engaging in corrupt practices if they understood that corruption diverts resources meant for schools, health facilities and other essential public services.
“We must embrace patriotism and good service delivery, and we should instill these values in our children from the very beginning of their education so that integrity becomes part of our culture,” Nambooze added.
The legislator also encouraged students to remain focused on their education and appreciate the sacrifices made by their parents and guardians.
“Always remember your family backgrounds, the struggles and sacrifices your parents make to educate you. Respect their efforts because that is how you prepare yourselves to become the leaders of the next generation,” she said.
Nsubuga House emerged overall winner of the competition after impressing judges with performances that strongly promoted ethical leadership, accountability and a corruption-free society.
As part of the school’s tradition of rewarding excellence, the winning house received a bull donated by the school leadership under the stewardship of Director Charles Bwenvu.
The event concluded with renewed calls for schools to continue using co-curricular activities to instill values of honesty, patriotism and responsible leadership among young people as part of the broader effort to combat corruption in Uganda.
English 