Msgr. ADETI URGES UGANDANS TO SHUN CORRUPTION, EMULATE ST. JOSEPH’S VIRTUES

L-R Akello Betty Otekat (Arua RCC), Ondoga Charles (Head teacher St. Joseph College Ombaci), and Msgr. Kasto Adeti (Vicar General Arua Diocese) during the celebration to mark St. Joseph’s College Day.

By Dramadri Federick

Arua city

The Vicar General of Arua Diocese, Monsignor Kasto Adeti, has called on Ugandans to reject corruption and embrace the virtues of Saint Joseph, describing integrity and humility as essential pillars for national development.

Monsignor Adeti made the remarks while addressing students of St. Joseph’s College Ombaci during celebrations to mark the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19.

The annual event, observed across the Catholic Church worldwide, honors Saint Joseph the spouse of the Virgin Mary and earthly father of Jesus Christ for his faithfulness, discipline, and dedication to work.

Speaking on behalf of the Bishop of Arua Diocese, Adeti expressed concern over what he described as widespread moral decay in the country. He noted that corruption has infiltrated all levels of society, from public institutions to households, eroding trust and undermining progress.

“There is so much corruption that it is now difficult to trust people. Individuals are entrusted with important offices, but instead of serving, they exploit those positions for personal gain. Saint Joseph never did this,” Adeti said.

He further observed a worrying decline in faith, cultural values, and responsible citizenship, warning that such trends threaten the country’s social and economic transformation.

Corruption remains a significant challenge in Uganda, reportedly costing the economy more than UGX 10 trillion annually. The vice manifests in various forms, including bribery in essential services such as healthcare and education, as well as large-scale embezzlement of public funds by high-ranking officials.

Despite the existence of legal frameworks to combat corruption, enforcement remains weak, limiting their effectiveness.

St. Joseph’s College Ombaci School gate.

Meanwhile, the Head Teacher of St. Joseph’s College Ombaci, Charles Ondoga, acknowledged the school’s commitment to academic excellence but raised concern over cases of student indiscipline.

“Some of our students engage in violent behavior, which at times results in injuries and destruction of property. I urge all stakeholders to come together to address these challenges so that the institution can better serve both learners and the wider community,” Ondoga said.

The Arua Resident City Commissioner, Betty Otekat Akello, also called on students to uphold discipline, faith, and responsibility. She warned against destructive behavior, particularly acts fueled by drug abuse and unrest within the school.

“We have witnessed the pain caused by drugs and repeated arrests involving students. A trained hand that destroys its own laboratory or school infrastructure is a wasted hand. I urge you to be ambassadors of peace and to emulate Saint Joseph a quiet, dedicated worker, not a disruptor,” she emphasized.

History

St. Joseph’s College Ombaci, a renowned Catholic boys’ boarding school in Arua City, was established in 1943 by the Comboni Missionaries.

Originally set up to train World War II veterans, it later evolved into a technical institution and eventually a leading O-Level and A-Level school.

Known for its academic excellence, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, the school upholds the motto “Primus inter pares” (First among equals).

It has also endured periods of instability, including the 1981 massacre, and continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and educational excellence in the region.

Saint Joseph is widely respected as the patron saint of workers, including carpenters, craftsmen, accountants, and lawyers. He is also invoked for a peaceful death, and many institutions around the world are named in his honor.