Col Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) has highlighted the economic benefits that await Uganda from being a part of BRICS, pointing out that it will help improve social and economic conditions in the country. He believes this partnership may help reduce the influence of Western nations on Uganda and the wider East African region.
Uganda on October 23, 2024 officially joined the BRICS bloc which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This marks Uganda as one of 13 new partner nations in a move expected to enhance its international trade and investment opportunities.
By joining forces with the BRICS nations, Col Katabazi explains that Uganda is set to create stronger economic ties with some of the world’s largest emerging markets. This is a key strategy for BRICS as it aims to challenge the dominance of Western trade and financial institutions, allowing for new economic paths to be explored.
“For centuries, Africans have faced humiliation through slavery, colonialism, and economic suffering. BRICS nations, especially China, have always supported Africa.” Col Katabazi emphasized the importance of cooperation and regional integration, acknowledging the vital role that organizations like ISO play in these efforts.
Col Katabazi made these remarks on October 24,2024, during a lecture for senior officers from various government organizations who are participating in a short course on strategic communication and leadership at the National Institute for Leadership, Kyankwanzi (NALI). The attendees include officers from the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), the External Security Organisation (ESO), the police, prisons, and the Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GIC).
In addition, he encouraged the course participants to be mindful of communication strategies that protect national interests.
“Communicate to create influence, not “Bila Mpango” (without a plan). As communicators, you must be knowledgeable, especially in this digital age where 16 million Ugandans own smartphones and everyone can become a journalist,” he advised.
Col Katabazi urged the officers to consider what they want the audience to believe and emphasized the need to connect with local culture and interests when communicating messages. He encouraged them to utilize available resources to effectively package their messages.
BRICS now includes nine members, among them African nations like Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Africa, while Algeria is awaiting admission. This bloc encompasses three of the top five global economies: China, India, and Russia. Together, BRICS accounts for 45% of the world’s population and 33% of the world’s land area, with a combined gross world product of about $60 trillion, surpassing that of the G7 countries. This illustrates the potential for robust markets and economic growth for Uganda and its partners in BRICS.