Moroto District, Uganda – A new wave of anti-corruption efforts is sweeping through the Karamoja sub-region, with young citizens taking center stage. The Karamoja Anti-Corruption Coalition (KACC) recently concluded a pivotal training session on August 18th, 2025, equipping 50 youth with the tools and knowledge to challenge corrupt practices within their communities.
Youth as Agents of Change
Table of Contents
- 1. Youth as Agents of Change
- 2. Key Training Components
- 3. Collaboration and Future Impact
- 4. The rising Tide of Youth Activism Against Corruption
- 5. Frequently asked Questions About Corruption in Uganda
- 6. What specific strategies does the KACC employ to ensure the safety of youth participants involved in investigative journalism and reporting on corruption?
- 7. Training Moroto Youth to Combat Corruption: Insights from the Karamoja Anti-Corruption Coalition’s Initiative
- 8. the Rising Need for Youth Involvement in Anti-Corruption Efforts
- 9. KACC’s Training Program: Curriculum and Methodology
- 10. Impact and Success Stories: Empowering a New Generation
- 11. Challenges and Opportunities for Scaling Up
- 12. The Role of Technology in Fighting Corruption in Karamoja
Recognizing the meaningful role young people can play in fostering good governance, KACC designed this program to instill a sense of civic responsibility and empower participants to become active monitors of public resources. The initiative responds to a growing global concern: according to a 2024 report by Transparency International, youth are often disproportionately affected by corruption, but also represent a powerful force for positive change when engaged.
The two-day intensive training,held at Rappona Apartments,covered a comprehensive curriculum that included civic engagement,a detailed examination of corruption within the Ugandan context,principles of integrity,and practical skills in contract monitoring and utilizing citizen feedback platforms.
Key Training Components
Participants delved into the intricacies of the Contract Monitoring System (CMS) and the Citizens Feedback Platform (CFP),learning how to effectively track government projects and report any irregularities. The training emphasized the crucial interplay between accountability, transparency, and the diligent monitoring of public services.
Amina Lowakori, Integrity Officer and Youth Training Coordinator at KACC, underscored the program’s focus on out-of-school youth. “This initiative is specifically geared towards raising awareness and providing thes young individuals with the capacity to monitor government projects and proactively report any instances of corruption they encounter,” she stated.
Collaboration and Future Impact
The training session fostered a collaborative environment,bringing together youth representatives from all sub-counties within Moroto District. Sophia Lomongin, KACC’s Contract Monitoring Officer, expressed gratitude for the excited participation shown by the youth. Partners including ACODE, MUCOBADI, and RIAMIRIAM contributed to the session’s success.
Dr. Ayub Mukisa, Executive Director of KACC, emphasized that equipping youth with an understanding of corruption-its causes, its consequences, and strategies for combating it-is essential for building a transparent and prosperous future for the Karamoja region. He noted that a similar training program in 2023 resulted in a 15% increase in reported corruption cases within the district, demonstrating the program’s potential.
| Key Program Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | Out-of-school youth in Moroto District |
| Training Duration | Two days |
| Core Topics | civic engagement, corruption in Uganda, integrity, contract monitoring, citizen feedback platforms |
| Partner Organizations | ACODE, MUCOBADI, RIAMIRIAM |
did You Know? Youth-lead anti-corruption initiatives are gaining momentum globally, driven by the increasing access to details and communication technologies, allowing them to monitor and report wrongdoing more effectively.
Pro Tip: When reporting potential corruption, gather concrete evidence and follow established reporting channels to ensure your concerns are addressed properly.
The rising Tide of Youth Activism Against Corruption
Globally, young people are increasingly demanding greater transparency and accountability from their governments.This trend is fueled by a disillusionment with customary political systems and a desire for a more equitable and just world. The Karamoja initiative exemplifies a broader movement to empower youth as key stakeholders in combating corruption and promoting good governance. Effective anti-corruption strategies recognize that engagement is not merely about punishing offenders but also about preventing corruption in the first place through education, awareness, and empowerment, especially among the younger generation.
Frequently asked Questions About Corruption in Uganda
- What is corruption? corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.
- How does corruption affect Uganda? corruption hinders economic growth, reduces public trust, and exacerbates inequality.
- What is KACC doing to fight corruption? KACC is implementing programs to raise awareness, empower citizens, and promote transparency.
- How can youth get involved in anti-corruption efforts? youth can participate in training programs, monitor government projects, and report suspected corruption.
- What are the key tools for monitoring corruption? The Contract Monitoring System (CMS) and Citizens Feedback Platform (CFP) are vital tools for tracking projects and reporting issues.
- Is there a national strategy for fighting corruption in Uganda? Yes, Uganda has a National Anti-Corruption Strategy, but its implementation faces challenges.
- Where can I report corruption in Uganda? You can report corruption to the Inspector general of Government (IGG) and other relevant authorities.
What impact do you think youth-led initiatives will have on the future of governance in Uganda? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your network!
What specific strategies does the KACC employ to ensure the safety of youth participants involved in investigative journalism and reporting on corruption?
Training Moroto Youth to Combat Corruption: Insights from the Karamoja Anti-Corruption Coalition’s Initiative
the Rising Need for Youth Involvement in Anti-Corruption Efforts
Corruption in Uganda, especially within the Karamoja sub-region, presents a significant obstacle to progress. The Karamoja Anti-Corruption Coalition (KACC) recognizes that lasting change requires engaging the next generation.Their initiative focusing on Moroto youth aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework to actively participate in fighting corruption at all levels. This article delves into the specifics of this training program, its impact, and the broader implications for good governance and openness in Uganda. Key areas of focus include youth empowerment, anti-corruption training, and community mobilization.
KACC’s Training Program: Curriculum and Methodology
The KACC’s program isn’t simply about lecturing youth on the evils of corruption. It employs a multifaceted approach designed for practical application. Core components of the training include:
Understanding Corruption: Defining different forms of corruption (bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, abuse of office) and their impact on service delivery – healthcare, education, infrastructure. Emphasis is placed on understanding how corruption affects daily life in Moroto and Karamoja.
Legal Frameworks: A comprehensive overview of Uganda’s anti-corruption laws, including the Anti-Corruption Act, the Leadership Code Act, and relevant provisions within the Penal Code. This section clarifies the legal consequences of corrupt practices.
Investigative Journalism & Reporting: Training youth in basic investigative techniques, ethical reporting, and how to safely document and report instances of corruption. This includes utilizing digital tools for evidence gathering.
Advocacy & Civic Engagement: Developing skills in advocacy,lobbying,and peaceful protest.Participants learn how to engage with local government officials and demand accountability.
Ethics & Integrity: Building a strong ethical foundation through workshops on values, principles, and the importance of integrity in public service. This fosters a culture of ethical leadership.
Digital Literacy for Anti-Corruption: Utilizing social media and online platforms to raise awareness, monitor government projects, and report corruption. This leverages the power of digital activism.
The methodology is highly participatory, incorporating role-playing exercises, group discussions, case studies based on real-life scenarios in Karamoja, and field visits to observe governance structures in action. The program prioritizes capacity building and skill development.
Impact and Success Stories: Empowering a New Generation
Early results from the KACC initiative are promising. Several Moroto youth who have completed the training are now actively involved in:
Monitoring Public Funds: Tracking the use of funds allocated for projects like road construction, school renovations, and healthcare facilities.
Reporting Corruption: Submitting reports to relevant authorities (Inspectorate of Government, police) regarding suspected cases of corruption. KACC provides legal support and protection to whistleblowers.
Community Awareness Campaigns: Organizing workshops and public rallies to educate communities about their rights and the dangers of corruption.
Engaging Local Councils: Participating in local council meetings and demanding transparency in decision-making processes.
A notable example involves a group of trained youth in Napak district who uncovered irregularities in the distribution of agricultural inputs,leading to an investigation and the recovery of stolen resources. This demonstrates the tangible impact of the program on resource management and accountability.
Challenges and Opportunities for Scaling Up
Despite the successes, the KACC faces several challenges:
limited Funding: Securing sustainable funding to expand the program to reach more youth across Karamoja.
Resistance from Corrupt Individuals: Facing intimidation and threats from individuals implicated in corrupt practices. ensuring the safety of participants is paramount.
Lack of Institutional support: Strengthening collaboration with government agencies and local authorities to ensure that reports of corruption are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
Geographical Barriers: Karamoja’s vast and often inaccessible terrain poses logistical challenges for training and monitoring.
Opportunities for scaling up include:
Partnerships with NGOs: Collaborating with other organizations working on governance and youth development.
Integration into School Curricula: introducing anti-corruption education into secondary school curricula.
Leveraging Technology: Developing a mobile app for reporting corruption and accessing facts on anti-corruption laws.
mentorship Programs: Connecting trained youth with experienced anti-corruption activists and professionals.
The Role of Technology in Fighting Corruption in Karamoja
The KACC is increasingly utilizing technology to enhance its anti-corruption efforts. This includes:
Online reporting Platforms: Creating secure online platforms for citizens to report corruption anonymously.
Social Media Monitoring: Tracking social media conversations to identify potential cases of corruption and gauge public
