By Patriot Corps
The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, held a productive meeting with youth leaders today at the unit’s offices in Kampala. The discussions focused on combating corruption through appropriate channels and procedures.
Mr. Jacob Eyeru, the Chairperson of the National Youth Council of Uganda, praised Col. Nakalema for her vigorous efforts against corruption. He requested her intervention with the President regarding the youths arrested on 23rd July 2024, during a protest march against corruption. This meeting seems to have been a follow-up on the press statement released by Mr. Eyeru, who successfully pushed for a meeting to pave the way for the release of the detained youths.
“As the chief fighter of corruption, we ask you to speak to the President to pardon them. The President has led the fight against corruption, even arresting some of his own,” Mr. Eyeru stated. He also expressed their readiness to collaborate with President Yoweri Museveni and the government to tackle corruption effectively. “We seek a platform where the President can engage with the youths in this fight. We support the fight against corruption but oppose disrupting public peace.”
Col. Nakalema acknowledged the widespread frustration with corruption and emphasized the importance of lawful conduct in addressing it. “We should fight corruption, but we must do it the right way and avoid disrupting others’ activities,” she advised. She encouraged young people to take a leading role in the anti-corruption fight, assuring them of support in organizing the country better.
She confirmed that the arrested protesters would be released. “They will definitely be freed, but they must learn to follow the law and heed the leaders’ guidance. Our mandate is to protect Ugandans’ lives and property and maintain peace. That’s why they were arrested, but they will be released. We want them to express their views in an organized manner,” she explained.
Col. Nakalema urged youth leaders to combat corruption starting at the local level. “The fight against corruption is ongoing. Meet with your district youth leaders, decide what you want the President to know, and I will relay your concerns to him.”
She also called on youth leaders to act as ambassadors, informing the public about the government’s efforts to eliminate corruption through technology, such as the Electronic Investors Protection Portal, which safeguards investors from corrupt practices.
Mr. Gerald Baganzi from the Youth Advocacy Foundation-Uganda highlighted their role as a watchdog agency overseeing service delivery institutions. Mr. Abbas Luyombo, a lawyer and lecturer at Makerere University, emphasized the need for the government to listen to protesting youths and implement tangible actions. “We need a middle ground where people can express their anger without causing harm. The government should engage with the youth and act on their concerns,” he said.
Mr. Obbo Johnson Emmanuel requested Col. Nakalema to facilitate a meeting with the President for the youths to discuss their views on corruption. “We ask you to schedule a day for us to meet the President and discuss youth-related issues,” he said.
Mr. Mike Wadada from the Youth Challenge for Change mentioned their focus on policy advocacy to involve youths in the money economy and benefit from government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM). “We ensure proper allocation of PDM funds and create awareness among the youth about the program. We also encourage youths to engage in lucrative enterprises like commercial agriculture,” he added.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both SHIPU and youth leaders to continue working together in the fight against corruption and ensuring the youth’s active participation in national development initiatives. If the release of the detained youths is secured, we thank and glorify the powers that be for their responsive action.