Kampala, Uganda | The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Anne Twinomugisha, has urged students to prioritise integrity over academic excellence, saying character and honesty remain the true measure of a person’s worth.
Speaking at the launch of the Integrity Ambassador’s Club (IAC) at Kibuli Secondary School, Twinomugisha cautioned that while academic grades may appear impressive, they are temporary and cannot substitute strong moral values.
She noted that although people may excel academically, it is integrity that ultimately defines them, adding that impressive scores without sound values are meaningless.
The IAC initiative, rolled out by the Inspectorate of Government Uganda, is part of a broader strategy to instil ethical values among young people and actively involve them in the fight against corruption.
Twinomugisha described integrity as a deliberate personal choice in a world increasingly driven by shortcuts and quick gains, explaining that it involves doing the right thing even when no one is watching, aligning actions with values, and remaining honest in both big and small matters while resisting temptation.
She emphasised that building ethical character not only guarantees inner peace but also opens doors to life-changing opportunities, urging students to view integrity as a long-term investment.
She added that personal integrity has the power to transform Uganda, noting that honest students grow into ethical professionals, fair leaders, and incorruptible public servants.
Twinomugisha said a culture grounded in integrity would result in a corruption-free society where public resources are properly utilised to fund essential services such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure, while also strengthening the economy, reducing poverty and enhancing Uganda’s global standing.
She also called on students to actively join the Integrity Ambassador’s Club, describing it as a platform that nurtures values into lifelong habits, provides mentorship, and builds networks for future leadership.
Ali Ndaula, president of the IAC at Kibuli Secondary School, commended the Inspectorate for adopting a youth-centred approach in tackling corruption.
He said that at Kibuli Secondary School, integrity is upheld as a core value and is mandatory, adding that the launch of the club would further strengthen these principles and help nurture corruption-free future leaders.
The Inspectorate continues to roll out Integrity Ambassador’s Clubs across schools nationwide as part of its wider campaign to enlist citizens at all levels in promoting accountability and eliminating corruption.
