The Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), Dr Patricia Achan Okiria, has urged student leaders from the Acholi sub-region to become role models in promoting integrity, accountability, and transparency among Uganda’s youth.

Speaking on June 27, 2025, at the Acholi Students Union (ASU) handover ceremony held at Gulu University Multipurpose Library in Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City, Dr Okiria emphasized the powerful role young leaders play in shaping Uganda’s future. The ceremony was held under the theme “A Path to Ethical Leadership for Student Leaders.”

“Leadership is not about holding a position it is about making courageous decisions and daring to act where others hesitate,” she emphasized.

Dr Okiria called on student leaders to actively reject corruption and uphold strong moral values in both their personal and public lives. She emphasized that young people, especially those in leadership roles, must take the lead in fostering ethical governance in their communities.

“The future of Uganda depends on principled, bold young leaders who are willing to stand up for what is right,” she added. “You are not just students you are agents of change.”

Dr Okiria brings a wealth of experience to her role, with a distinguished career spanning public service, legal reform, and human rights advocacy. She has served on the Uganda Human Rights Commission, worked as a policy and legal advisor at the Ministry of Works and Transport, and played a key role in shaping Uganda’s anti-corruption legislation. Holding advanced degrees in law including a doctorate in international human rights.

She is widely respected both nationally and internationally for her contributions to the fight against corruption and the advancement of human rights.

The ASU handover ceremony was attended by several high-profile guests and community leaders, including Rwot Yusuf Adek of the Pageya Clan, Dr Collins Okello, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, and Dr Okiria herself, who also serves as the Patron of the Acholi Students Union.

The event highlighted the urgent need to nurture ethical leadership in Uganda’s student communities, particularly in regions like Acholi that continue to recover from the effects of conflict and underdevelopment.

This engagement reflects Dr Okiria’s unwavering belief in the role of young people as key partners in Uganda’s governance and anti-corruption efforts. By mentoring student leaders and fostering ethical mindsets, she hopes to build a culture where integrity is not just preached but practiced across all levels of society.

“When we equip young leaders with values of honesty and accountability, we lay the foundation for a more just and transparent Uganda,” she concluded.

As Uganda continues to tackle challenges of governance and public sector accountability, voices like Dr Okiria’s serve as a reminder that the path to national transformation begins with ethical, courageous, and informed leadership starting with the youth.