By KT Reporter
The minister for internal affairs, Maj Gen (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has warned Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) against neglecting civilians in intelligence gathering.
Otafiire said it is risky for any country’s security forces to behave in a way that keeps civilians far away from them because they are the first line of intelligence.
Gen Otafiire, who was addressing UPDF officers and soldiers at the National Defence College –Uganda (NDC-U), said citizens play a pivotal role in safeguarding national security, describing the population as the first and most vital line of defence.
“The security of any country depends on intelligence, diplomacy, and the security forces. But it is the population that helps coordinate intelligence and enables the security forces to consolidate it. Human beings are the first line of defence,” Gen Otafiire said.
Gen Otafiire delivered a lecture on Uganda’s institutional security framework and he emphasised the need for a people-centred approach to national security. He highlighted the importance of developing human capacity across seven pillars of human security: food, economy, health, environment, politics, personal safety, and community. According to Gen Otafiire, Africa must focus on these pillars to build truly sovereign national defence systems.
“Leadership must change the way we think. Security means wealth and prosperity. When you provide security to the people, they will take care of themselves,” Gen Otafiire said.
Brig Gen Kefa Nangeso, UPDF’s Dean of Studies, encouraged the participants to actively engage with diverse communities, emphasising that inclusive dialogue is essential to creating a secure and prosperous Africa.
Brig Gen Kefa Nangeso, represented the NDC-U Commandant, UPDF Brig Gen Dr Stephen Kusasira. Additionally, Gen Otafiire criticised the tendency of strategic thinkers to overlook human capacity pillars prioritizing policies.
“There should be strong institutions, empowered citizens, and enforced discipline within the armed forces. Strength comes from the people. Empowered citizens and a disciplined army create a mighty force,” Gen Otafiire said-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
