The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, has told the youth that they hold the key to freeing Uganda from endemic corruption by embracing integrity.
Dr. Okiria made the remarks during a recent engagement with young people at Uganda Christian University, where she discussed her recently launched book, The Touch of Humility: Leading with Compassion and Purpose. In the book, she expresses a deep commitment to the fight against corruption in Uganda.
“As we collectively work towards a corruption-free Uganda, it is essential that our youth understand their role in promoting integrity,” Okiria said.
The event provided a platform for students from various institutions across the country not only to review the book but also to join the broader fight against corruption. It also served as a recruitment ground for anti-corruption champions.
The gathering was part of the ongoing Integrity Days initiative by the Inspectorate of Government, aimed at promoting a culture of accountability and transparency among young Ugandans.
In her 201-page memoir, officially launched by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, Okiria underscores the idea that Uganda’s future rests in the hands of its youth. The 2024 National Housing and Population Census shows that about 70% of Uganda’s population is made up of young people.
In her biography, she explores how integrity can be woven into everyday life and governance. She argues that building a culture of honesty requires a societal shift—one of the reasons the Inspectorate is increasingly focused on youth engagement.
The launch of additional Integrity Days will create more spaces for young people to take part in workshops and educational activities focused on fighting corruption, promoting transparency, and encouraging ethical decision-making.
“This book is more than just a memoir; it is a call to action for every Ugandan to engage in the fight against corruption. I invite readers to reflect on their own roles in promoting integrity within their communities,” Okiria said. “The book serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging a united front against corruption while inspiring young leaders to carry the torch of accountability and transparency.”
In the book, she shares personal insights from her career as Deputy IGG, combining personal stories with practical strategies for promoting honest governance. The work captures her relentless pursuit of accountability and her efforts to nurture a culture of integrity, particularly among young people.
Structured around a series of narratives and case studies, the book highlights different aspects of humility and its relevance in real-life leadership. A key theme is the link between humility and leadership. Okiria argues that true leadership requires the ability to listen, empathize, and adapt—qualities rooted in humility.
John Vianny Ayebare, Guild President at the Law Development Centre (LDC) Kampala campus, praised the Deputy IGG as a powerful voice for national transformation.
“The book marks not just a personal achievement, but a collective movement towards a brighter and more accountable future for the nation. Her book not only chronicles her personal journey and professional milestones, but also serves as a practical guide for Ugandans of all ages on how to actively participate in the fight against corrupt practices,” Ayebare said.
He added, “The Touch of Humility by Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria is a reflective and insightful exploration of the concept of humility and its transformative power in both personal and professional realms.”
In the book, Okiria calls for more Integrity Days, targeting broader audiences with the aim of embedding values of ethics and accountability in the country’s youth.
She also challenges common misconceptions about humility—arguing it is not weakness or passivity, but rather strength and self-awareness. It allows individuals to recognize their limits while remaining open to learning and growth.
Natasha Ampumuza, a student coordinator across LDC campuses, also praised Okiria for her role in reshaping Uganda’s anti-corruption fight.
“Patricia has been instrumental in the integrity campaign with the youth on YO–SPACE. She has clearly unpacked the ten national values from the National Value Policy, explained their relevance to young people, and highlighted their role in the fight against corruption in Uganda,” Ampumuza said.
“She has empowered young people to report cases of corruption to the Inspectorate of Government. She has used this platform to mentor emerging leaders and encourage them to serve with integrity.”
