Nakalema urges special forces to join fight against corruption

The State House Head of the Anti- Corruption Unit, Lt Col. Edith Nakalema has called on Special Forces Command officers and cadres to be focused and honest while performing their duties.

She made the call on Monday during her presentation on the challenges in the fight against corruption in Uganda today.

The presentation was attended by over 50 SFC officers and cadres attending a basic cadre course at the Sera Kasenyi Training School in Wakiso District.

"We the SFC officers are the ones to fight corruption. Officers can be appointed to work in big offices when they maintain integrity. Be focused and honest. We want to have a corruption-free Uganda and it's the duty of every citizen to fight corruption," Nakalema said.

She paid tribute to the SFC Commander, Maj. Gen. James Birungi for his cooperation and professionalism.

She reminded them that the national constitution requires all wananchi to actively participate in fighting the vice. She reiterated that security personnel have an added duty in the fight against corruption and observed that without soldiers being involved in the fight, the country can be in a bad state.

Nakalema warned them against extortion and noted that the Government has succeeded in attracting investors into a wide range of ventures in Uganda. She added that it would be a lost effort by Government in attracting the investors because of corrupt characters.

She said that the Anti-Corruption Unit has recovered over sh20b since it commenced its operations. She further urged the SFC personnel to lead in the fight against the vice and reminded them that they must be role models among the security organs in the struggle.

She was pleased to note that 162 people have so far been arraigned in courts of law adding that there has been a lot of progress towards eliminating the criminals. She informed the attentive officers that the Anti -Corruption Unit cases have been investigated conclusively.

Maj. Gen. Birungi urged the officers to be transparent as they serve their country.

"You must practice transparency. Let it be our responsibility to work with the Anti-Corruption Unit. You must go slow and learn to live within your means," he said.

He assured them that the SFC leadership and UPDF in general were committed to exposing the criminals in the forces.