national 25 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Government Partners with Religious Institutions to Combat Corruption and Promote Ethics
The Ugandan government is collaborating with churches and mosques to popularize the National Ethical Values Policy and fight corruption, emphasizing the role of families and communities in rebuilding integrity. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-turns-to-churches-mosques-to-rebuild-ethical-values-5509660
In a significant move to bolster ethical conduct and curb corruption across Uganda, the government has initiated a nationwide campaign enlisting the support of religious and faith-based organizations. The Directorate for Ethics and Integrity, operating under the Office of the President, is leading this initiative, aiming to integrate the National Ethical Values Policy (NEVP) into the fabric of society through religious institutions.
Officials have expressed concern over the persistent moral decline and the detrimental impact of corruption on national development, despite existing legal frameworks. Assistant Commissioner for Religious Affairs Justus Rubalema highlighted that while policies and laws are in place, their effective implementation requires community and spiritual backing. “We are here… to agree on how to defeat corruption. Corruption has done a lot of havoc, yet it can be defeated,” Rubalema stated during a recent engagement with religious leaders in Masindi District.
The NEVP outlines ten core values, including integrity, accountability, honesty, transparency, and justice. The strategy involves working with local governments, schools, workplaces, and crucially, religious bodies to foster ethical leadership and responsible citizenship, with a particular focus on engaging the youth.
Religious leaders present at the meeting, representing diverse faiths, pledged their support. However, they also called for more robust enforcement of anti-corruption laws without discrimination and for leaders to embody these values through their actions. Some leaders suggested that reforms in public recruitment, prioritizing moral integrity alongside academic qualifications, are essential. The consensus was that the fight against corruption must begin at the grassroots, instilling ethical values in children from an early age.
This collaborative approach is part of ongoing efforts by the Directorate to strengthen public support for ethical leadership and enhance the country’s anti-corruption agenda through various community engagements. These efforts have previously included similar dialogues in districts like Rakai.