Kampala — Leaders have been urged to involve the youth in the fight against corruption.

Dr. Paul Kabasa, the Uganda Debt Network (UDN) programmes director, said the fight against corruption required participation of all Ugandans.

"While a lot of effort has been put in the fight against corruption, the youth are often overlooked, yet they are potential activists and agents of change," he said.

Kabasa was addressing participants at an inter-university debate at the University of St. Lawrence on Friday.

The motion for the debate organised by UND was "Corruption not politics is the major hindrance to foreign investment in Uganda."

He said two similar debates had been held at Makerere and Kyambogo universities, adding that finalists from the three debates would compete in the national debate on November 14, where they would be awarded prizes.

Kabasa said the debates were aimed at creating a platform for the youth on anti-corruption and good governance matters that will encourage them to demand transparency and accountability in public office.

The participants cited policy reversal, poor infrastructure, nepotism, land misallocation, long legal processes, unhealthy political rivalry and civil wars as some of the hindrances to foreign investment in the country.

Viola Mboneko Rusoke from Nkozi University said the youth should be trained in governance to enable them become better leaders.

Patrick Kahuma, the chairperson of the Uganda Debt Network Youth Taskforce, said such debates contributed towards public management.