Muhwezi Warns Elgon Intelligence Officers Against Corruption and Misconduct

Uganda's Minister of Security, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Hon. Jim Muhwezi, has issued a stern warning to intelligence officers in the Elgon region, urging them to shun corruption, remain professional, and effectively execute their duties. The warning was issued during a meeting with GISOs, DISOs, and RISOs at Wash & Wills Hotel in Mbale City on Wednesday. Muhwezi emphasized that their primary responsibility is to identify irregularities, detect threats, and prevent wrongdoing before it occurs.

Muhwezi cautioned intelligence operatives against allowing themselves to be compromised or recruited by corrupt civil servants at district and sub-county levels. He described some officials as "hyenas" and urged officers to embrace patriotism and put national interests above personal gains. The minister stressed that their commitment to duty is essential in maintaining stability and order in the country. He also clarified that intelligence officers are not investigators but are expected to gather intelligence, identify threats against the state, and detect criminal activities before they happen.

The minister directed intelligence operatives to take a proactive approach by demanding written information from government officials, ranging from Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) to parish chiefs. This information will enable them to effectively monitor the implementation of government projects and programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), school construction projects, and other public initiatives. The officers were also tasked with monitoring teacher absenteeism and verifying actual pupil enrollment figures in schools.

Muhwezi warned intelligence officers against taking sides in political contests, particularly within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He cautioned that political involvement could fuel divisions and undermine their professional responsibilities. Instead, he urged them to remain neutral, impartial, and open-minded while executing their duties. The minister described intelligence operatives as freedom fighters and revolutionaries, recalling their contribution during the liberation struggle.

Muhwezi also cautioned that intelligence officers are expected to operate within their designated sub-counties and should not assume that their positions are guaranteed regardless of their performance. He warned that officers who fail to deliver or engage in misconduct would be replaced by more committed personnel. The minister emphasized that their primary responsibility is to detect wrong things and stop them before they happen, like the abuse of government money.

The minister's remarks underscore the government's expectations of intelligence operatives in strengthening accountability, monitoring public programs, combating corruption, and maintaining security across the country. Muhwezi challenged the officers not to wait for intervention from State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara before fulfilling their responsibilities in monitoring government programs. He urged them to make sure they do their work well, as the government wants to see order in the country.

The warning by Muhwezi comes as a reminder of the critical role intelligence officers play in maintaining security and order in Uganda. The government expects them to be vigilant and proactive in identifying and preventing threats to the state. By issuing this stern warning, Muhwezi aims to ensure that intelligence officers in the Elgon region remain professional, committed, and focused on their duties.

Key points

• Muhwezi warns intelligence officers against corruption and misconduct in the Elgon region.
• The minister emphasizes the importance of patriotism and commitment to duty among intelligence officers.
• Intelligence officers are tasked with monitoring government programs and preventing wrongdoing.