Entebbe — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on newly trained recruits of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) to embrace patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and ideological clarity as they begin their careers safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty.
The President made the call while delivering a lecture of opportunity to 312 ISO trainees at State House, Entebbe. The recruits have undergone comprehensive training covering core intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, political ideology, Musevenomics, as well as media and intelligence studies.
“I am sure your trainers have already spoken to you about some of these issues, but there is no harm in repeating them,” he said. “When you join the security or defense forces, the first question you must ask yourself is: what are you defending, and what are you defending against?”
Lessons from History
Reflecting on Uganda’s past, President Museveni noted that at independence, the mission of the country’s security forces was never clearly defined because colonialists had created them to entrench their rule.
“Their mission was to maintain colonialism and suppress our thirst for independence. When independence came, the same force was 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 said.
He criticized identity politics for crippling post-independence Uganda, noting that early political parties were organized along religious or ethnic lines.
“The Democratic Party was for Catholics, the Uganda People’s Congress for Protestants and some Muslims, while Kabaka Yekka served Baganda and some Muslims,” he explained. “We rejected that approach and instead focused on people’s needs. We aimed to create prosperity, not to cater to tribal or religious identities.”
The NRM Ideological Pillars
President Museveni emphasized the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) four ideological principles: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. These, he explained, align with three historic missions: achieving prosperity, ensuring strategic security, and promoting African brotherhood.
“Our number one priority is patriotism and the spirit of Uganda,” he said. “Prosperity comes from every adult producing goods or services, not from begging or relying on others. That is why Pan-Africanism is crucial. Africa can support our prosperity far better than Uganda alone.”
He stressed that regional integration was essential for economic growth, strategic security, and Africa’s independence from external control.
“We must ensure that never again will Africa’s existence depend on the permission of others. Economic and political integration is the correct answer to the question of prosperity and strategic security,” the President said.
Call for Conviction and Discipline
President Museveni urged the recruits to maintain conviction and discipline as core values in their service.
“By 1986, we had a force of 20,000 NRA fighters backed by millions of civilians, propelled not by mercenary interests but by conviction. I urge you to maintain that spirit,” he said, before congratulating the officers and wishing them success in their careers.
Sabotage of Government Programs
The Minister of Security, Hon. Jim Muhwezi, thanked the President for personally guiding the recruits and commended ISO leadership for preparing a new generation of officers.
“This new blood is coming in at a critical time when Uganda is transforming from a poor to a middle-income country,” he said.
Hon. Muhwezi warned, however, that corruption remains a major threat to development programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Universal Primary Education (UPE).
“In PDM, some parish chiefs steal funds meant to help people start commercial activities. In UPE, many children drop out because teachers impose illegal charges despite government funding. This is criminal and must stop,” he stressed, urging ISO to deal decisively with such sabotage.
ISO Leadership Commits to Professionalism
ISO Director General Mr. Arthur Mugyenyi revealed that the 312 recruits—207 males and 105 females—were carefully selected from 945 applicants through a transparent process. Many hold bachelor’s, master’s, and diploma qualifications across various disciplines.
“We are confident that this new blood will bring professionalism, integrity, and fresh energy into the organization,” he said.
Mr. Mugyenyi explained that the training went beyond tactical skills to include ideological grounding, reflecting the President’s philosophy of patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
He also disclosed plans to establish a permanent training facility in Nakasongola to standardize future programs.
Deployment Plans
The recruits will be deployed immediately after their pass-out parade on October 17, 2025. Their first mission will be to reinforce Uganda’s security and ensure the effective delivery of government programs across the country.