Africa-Press – Uganda. The Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU) has unveiled a new training initiative to mobilize young people in the fight against corruption, a vice that costs the country an estimated Shs 10 trillion annually.
Despite existing anti-graft frameworks, weak citizen capacity and limited state responsiveness continue to undermine progress.
ACCU says empowering the youth, who make up the majority of Uganda’s population, is critical to reversing this trend.
ACCU Executive Director Marlon Agaba said the program was prompted by declining youth participation in governance and accountability, even though Uganda remains one of the most youthful nations in the world.
“According to the census report, Ugandans below 30 years constitute 73 percent of the population. That is a very big percentage that we cannot ignore. If we are to make any change in fighting corruption, the youth must be on board,” Agaba said.
The training modules will introduce young people to the basics of corruption, how to identify and report it, and strategies for engaging leaders and participating in civic processes such as elections. The program also emphasizes online activism and measures to ensure youth activists conduct their work safely.
While ACCU already runs programs targeting women, professionals, and community-based monitors, Agaba said the current focus on youth reflects both their demographic weight and their potential to drive change.
“If we don’t bring them at the forefront, we risk losing them just like past generations,” he cautioned.
The initiative will be rolled out through more than 100 youth integrity clubs across Uganda and supported by a “Digital Academy” to enable remote learning for those with internet access.
Ahead of the rollout, ACCU has invited experts from government, civil society, and youth groups to review the modules and provide input.
“We want them to tell us whether what we have developed makes sense and how we can improve it,” Agaba noted.
Peter Mwebesa, Acting Director of Research, Education, and Advocacy at the Inspectorate of Government, welcomed the new module as a landmark resource for young people. He said it will build knowledge on corruption, promote ethical leadership, and equip youth with skills to advocate for transparency and accountability.
“This initiative is critical for ensuring that the next generation of leaders understands the dangers of corruption and the importance of integrity,” Werese said. “The youth must not only study the module but also use it to educate their peers and report corrupt activities through appropriate channels.”
The program emphasizes participatory learning, encouraging youth to design solutions against corruption. Trainers, youth groups, teachers, and civil society organizations will also be involved to ensure the module is integrated into education and community programs.
The Inspectorate of Government stressed that with youth constituting over 70 percent of Uganda’s population, empowering them with knowledge on corruption is key to fostering a culture of accountability.
The initiative is expected to strengthen ethical leadership, transparency, and civic responsibility among young Ugandans, while equipping them with practical tools to monitor and report corrupt practices.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
