The Internal Security Organisation (ISO) has recruited 312 new spies as the country prepares for its general election in 2026. President Museveni addressed the spies, referred to as operatives at State House Entebbe, over the weekend.
Their recruitment comes during a period when political tensions often rise, and the government aims to strengthen its intelligence capabilities.
ISO is Uganda’s main domestic intelligence agency, tasked with gathering information on internal threats, such as sabotage, terrorism, and political unrest. It plays a key role in protecting national security by monitoring activities that could undermine the government or disrupt public order.
Unlike the police or army, the ISO focuses on covert operations, including counterintelligence, which means stopping foreign spies or internal leaks and counterterrorism to prevent attacks.
Museveni said the new spies are expected to help tackle issues like the sabotage of government programmes, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Universal Primary Education (UPE), where corruption has led to stolen funds or illegal fees.
He urged them to embrace patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and clear ideology in their work. Reflecting on Uganda’s past, he explained how colonial-era security forces were misused and how post-independence politics divided people along tribal or religious lines.
“Our priority is patriotism and the spirit of Uganda,” he said, stressing that prosperity depends on everyone producing goods or services, supported by African unity rather than division.
Museveni highlighted the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) principles: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic change, and democracy. He linked these to Uganda’s goals of prosperity, security, and brotherhood across Africa, warning that the country’s future relies on regional integration to avoid dependence on outsiders.
The minister for Security, Jim Muhwezi, praised the recruits and thanked the president for his guidance. He warned that corruption is the biggest threat, with officials stealing from programmes like PDM and UPE, which harm ordinary Ugandans.
“Once ISO deals with this problem, I believe the country will move forward,” he said.
ISO Director General Arthur Mugyenyi described the recruits as highly qualified, with degrees and diplomas in various fields. Selected from 945 applicants through a fair process, they underwent training in intelligence, counterterrorism, political ideology, and “Musevenomics”.
He said the agency plans a permanent training site in Nakasongola to improve future programmes.
The new officers will be deployed after their passing-out parade on 17 October 2025, focusing on protecting Uganda’s sovereignty and ensuring government initiatives succeed.
