The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, has called on students to leverage their influence and social media platforms to expose and report corrupt practices.
She emphasized the significant role students can play as whistleblowers in the fight against corruption, stressing the need for a holistic approach to tackle the issue in Uganda.
Speaking at a mentorship conference for aspiring female lawyers organized by the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Kampala Campus Law Society Parliament, Dr. Okiria encouraged students to use their influence to highlight and report corruption.
She urged them to share evidence, such as photos or videos, of corrupt acts on social media, noting that her office is committed to investigating and prosecuting such cases.
"If you see something improper, just take a picture or recording and share it with us. We'll be happy to handle those cases," Dr. Okiria said.
Dr. Okiria also stressed the importance of instilling values in young people early on to prevent corrupt behavior later in life. She noted that small dishonest actions, such as taking a pencil or ruler without permission, can escalate to larger acts of corruption when individuals are in positions of power.
She also encouraged students to embrace discipline, hard work, and integrity as essential traits for responsible citizenship. Sharing her own personal journey, Dr. Okiria attributed her success to determination and excellence, urging students to pursue these qualities.
She called on institutions to strengthen disciplinary policies to guide students towards ethical behavior, highlighting the need for values like decency and self-respect as students transition into professional roles.
Sharifah Mariam, a final-year law student at IUIU and Speaker of the Parliament Law Society, expressed concerns about the high dropout rate among female law students and the challenges they face in the profession.
She pointed to issues such as sexual harassment, difficulties in balancing work and personal life, and the demands of public speaking.
"During my year, we started with around 100 girls, but now we have less than 50," Mariam said, attributing the decline to the pressures and unwelcoming environment in the legal field.
The mentorship event aimed to address these concerns by equipping female students with the skills needed to overcome professional and personal challenges.
Mariam emphasized the importance of mentorship in building confidence and leadership skills, particularly for those who struggle with self-expression and public speaking.
Aisha Nakawooya, head of Student Affairs at IUIU Kampala Campus, addressed the issue of sexual harassment faced by students during internships and in the workplace. She emphasized the importance of self-presentation and confidence in combating harassment.
Nakawooya highlighted the need for both male and female students to be aware of their conduct and appearance, advising them to dress professionally to avoid inappropriate situations. "If you’re going to meet a male boss wearing a very short skirt, you sometimes have a role to play in the sexual harassment," she said, urging students to dress appropriately.
She also encouraged students to build self-confidence and assertiveness, especially in situations that may compromise their integrity. Nakawooya pointed out that some instances of harassment stem from pressures related to career advancement, financial needs, or the desire for quick success.
"Students should learn to say no and appreciate what they have," Nakawooya stated, urging them to maintain their values despite external pressures.
She encouraged students to focus on building self-esteem as they prepare for their careers, noting that a strong sense of self-worth can help them navigate challenging situations and avoid compromising their principles.