Bahati Urges Schools to Raise Students of Integrity in Fight Against Corruption

What the report says

Trade, Industry and Cooperatives State Minister David Bahati has called on schools to nurture learners with integrity, strong morals and a sense of responsibility, saying those values are important in Uganda’s wider fight against corruption. According to Nile Post, he made the remarks at a fundraising dinner for Mengo Senior School in Kampala on Friday, October 9, during celebrations linked to Uganda’s Independence Day.

The event supported construction of a nine-storey dining hall complex estimated at Shs18.6 billion. Nile Post reported that the dinner, branded as the Dining Hall Complex Fundraising Dinner Phase 2–2026, brought together parents, teachers, former students, officials from government and the Buganda Kingdom, clergy and other supporters. The school said the evening raised more than Shs318 million in cash and pledges.

Bahati contributed Shs20 million and urged the school to keep pursuing the project, describing it as an investment in the future of Uganda’s children. He also praised Mengo Senior School for combining academics, moral formation and practical skills, and encouraged other schools to follow a similar model. He said students taught good conduct and the fear of God would be better prepared for public life and less likely to engage in wrongdoing.

School headteacher Dr Grace Nantajja Ssebanaakita said the complex is intended to improve student welfare and support learning, with dining areas, kitchen space, halls, a computer laboratory, gymnasium and sports facilities. She said the school has raised about Shs4 billion so far and plans to complete the project within three years through continued fundraising and other support.