Security Minister Maj Gen (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi has issued a strong warning to Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) against complacency, directing them to report on all government programmes in every sub-county.
Speaking on Tuesday during a capacity-building workshop at Soroti University, Muhwezi told more than 200 GISOs from the Teso sub-region that they must demand detailed information from Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs)/ City Clerk, district/city engineers and other authorities.
“You must know everything that is going on in your area of responsibility. If you don’t know, you are not fit to be a GISO. You are responsible and accountable for your AOR and failure will lead to arrest,” Muhwezi said.
He instructed the officers to write to CAOs and city clerks seeking budgets, bills of quantities and progress reports on all projects.
“Know the civil servants, the roads and the budgets. Be informed. If they refuse to provide information, write to the Director General,” he added.
Muhwezi reminded the officers of the “Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo” directive and emphasised that intelligence officers are the eyes and ears of the state.
“You are the last people suspected to commit crimes or corruption. No more sleep, no more corruption. It is an honour to be a GISO,” he said.
The minister appreciated security officers who detected former Gen Peter Elwelu’s recruitment and suspected rebel activities. He also urged them to closely work with Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), identify cults and cause arrests, be keen against vandalism of government infrastructure, and desist from conflicts.
Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Mr Arthur Mugyenyi told the gathering that the four-month nationwide retooling programme prioritises intelligence on wealth creation programmes, social service delivery and politically motivated crimes.
“Provide intelligence reports and use village contacts. Focus on loyalty, trust and the organisation’s mission. Avoid conflicts and any form of corruption,” the DG said, noting that some GISOs had been arrested over abuse of restocking funds in some parts of the country.
The workshop, themed on retooling, redirecting and guidance, aims to strengthen the officers’ capacity to support government programmes across the region.
