The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Mrs. Anne Twino, has made a passionate appeal to senior army officers to avoid unethical practices, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to national security and development. She emphasized that maintaining integrity within security institutions is key to building a stable and prosperous nation.
Speaking during a lecture at the National Defence College in Jinja, Anne Twino explained that security is the backbone of any country’s progress. According to her, a secure nation promotes trust among citizens, boosts investor confidence, and supports economic growth. However, she warned that when unethical practices take root, they weaken this foundation and can quickly undo the progress a country has made.
Mrs. Twino noted that practices such as corruption and abuse of office are not just governance issues but serious national security threats. She explained that if these challenges are not handled with professionalism and urgency, they can slow down or even reverse government efforts aimed at improving the economy and ensuring stability.
She further described unethical practices as actions that go against moral values, professional standards, and legal rules, often done for personal or group gain. Within security institutions like the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, she warned that such behavior can have dangerous consequences. These include inflated procurement deals, the existence of ghost soldiers on payrolls, misuse of military resources, and poor management of defence budgets.
Mrs. Twino stressed that the military plays a critical role in protecting the nation, and any form of corruption within it can greatly weaken national defence. She urged senior officers to lead by example and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline in their work.
To address these challenges, she proposed several solutions. These include promoting national values and unity, strengthening ethics education, improving professional standards, and using technology to increase transparency and accountability. She also highlighted the importance of encouraging citizens to take responsibility in promoting integrity across society.
Her message served as a strong reminder that unethical practices are not just small mistakes but serious issues that can quietly destroy a nation’s security. She called on all leaders, especially those in uniform, to remain committed to honesty and service to the country.
Brigadier Richard Tukacungurwa, Chairman of the General Court Martial, welcomed her message and described it as a wake-up call for leaders in the military. He assured that they would take her advice seriously and work towards promoting ethical practices to improve service delivery.
As the session came to an end, it left many officers reflecting on their role in protecting the nation, not just with strength and skill, but also with integrity and accountability.
