Teach culture to fight graft, Katikkiro says

Mr Mohamed Ssemambo, who also doubles as culture minister, said such an intervention would teach children the evils of corruption so they can grow to live without indulging in it.

Kampala

Buganda Kingdom Deputy Katikkiro has asked the central government to incorporate teaching culture in school curriculum as a means of curbing corruption.

Mr Mohamed Ssemambo, who also doubles as culture minister, said such an intervention would teach children the evils of corruption so they can grow to live without indulging in it.
“We request government to consider teaching our cultures, emphasising good morals like these children have gone through in the last two weeks. If we had started in 1970s, we would not be hearing of corruption now,” he said.

Mr Ssemambo made the call yesterday at the closing of the kingdom’s children’s holiday camp commonly known as e’kisakati at St. Mary’s Kitende. The event was presided over by the Nabagereka, the brainchild of the holiday camp.

More than 400 children attended the camp under the theme, “Culture is critical to development”. A 2005 World Bank report estimates that Uganda loses about $300m (Shs510 billion) annually in corruption.

The Nabageraka said management of the camp has acquired land in Siisa where they intend to build a permanent home. “I urge you to put in practice what you have learned. Go back and be role models in your various communities.

In future, we shall be having this camp in Siisa where Kabaka (Muwenda Mutebi) has given us land,” she said. In a memorandum, the children requested her to organise a similar camp for their parents so they, too, can benefit.

wouma@ug.nationmedia.com