President Yoweri Museveni has urged newly trained recruits of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) to uphold patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and ideological clarity as they begin their careers safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty.
He addressed 312 ISO trainees during a lecture at State House, Entebbe. The recruits had just completed a comprehensive training programme covering core intelligence, counterintelligence, counter terrorism, political ideology, ‘Musevenomics’, and media studies.
“When you are in the security or defence forces, the first question is: what are you defending, and what are you defending against?” the President said.
Reflecting on Uganda’s history, President Museveni observed that the mission of the country’s security forces was poorly defined at independence, having been created by colonialists to maintain their rule.
“Their mission was to maintain colonialism and suppress our thirst for independence. When independence came, the same force was simply handed over to the new government without redefining its mission. That is why we, the student movements of the 1960s, had to take a new path,” he stated.
He noted that identity politics further crippled post-independence Uganda, with political parties divided along religious and tribal lines. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) rejected this approach to focus on the needs of the people.
The President emphasised the NRM’s four ideological principles: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. These are framed within the three historical missions of prosperity, strategic security, and African brotherhood.
“Our number one priority is patriotism and the spirit of Uganda. Prosperity comes from every adult producing goods or services, not from begging. That is why Pan-Africanism is crucial. Africa can support our prosperity far better than Uganda alone,” he stressed.
President Museveni concluded by urging the new officers to maintain conviction and discipline as their guiding values.
The Minister of Security, Jim Muhwezi, commended the President for guiding the recruits and praised the ISO leadership for preparing a new generation of officers.
He warned that the biggest current threat to Uganda is the sabotage of government programmes by corrupt officials. He cited examples such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), where funds are stolen, and Universal Primary Education (UPE), where illegal charges prevent children from completing their studies.
“Once ISO deals with this problem, I believe the country will move forward,” Hon. Muhwezi said.
The ISO Director General, Arthur Mugyenyi, said the 312 officers—207 men and 105 women—were selected from 945 applicants. He described them as well-educated cadres who would bring professionalism and fresh energy to the organisation.
Mr Mugyenyi revealed that ISO plans to establish a permanent training facility in Nakasongola to standardise future programmes.
The new officers are scheduled for deployment after their pass-out parade on 17 October 2025. Their initial task will be to help protect Uganda’s sovereignty and ensure government programmes are delivered effectively.