During a lecture to Security Officers at the UPDF School of Defense Intelligence and Security on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in Nakasongola district, Col. Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General of ISO, noted that Africa has long been plagued by division, conflict, and foreign interference.
Katabazi emphasized the importance of vigilance in protecting Africa and further reminded the officers that security is vital to safeguarding the continent from external and internal threats.
He challenged the officers to reflect on the tragic assassinations of leaders like Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, and Kwame Nkrumah, among others. These assassinations are grim reminders of a dark chapter in Africa’s history, a chapter that continues to echo in the present.
He urged the officers to contemplate these events, emphasizing that unity among Africans is crucial to defending the continent and building a future founded on dignity, self-determination, and progress.
The assassination of African leaders often serves geopolitical interests beyond the individual’s demise. Lumumba’s vision of a united and independent Congo, for example, posed a threat to Western powers, leading to his assassination—a plot allegedly involving foreign agents.
The destabilization of Africa by these external forces has deep roots, with many African leaders seen as obstacles to neocolonial agendas. This recurring external manipulation highlights the urgent need for Africa to unite and protect its sovereignty.
These assassinations are not just isolated events; they represent a broader struggle for the continent’s autonomy. From the 1960s to today, the murders of visionary leaders like Amílcar Cabral and Eduardo Mondlane have crippled their nations and stunted Africa’s collective progress. Their deaths symbolize a painful legacy that must keep our eyes open.
To safeguard the continent, unity must be a priority. A united Africa will amplify its voice on the global stage, create sustainable economic opportunities, and build resilience against foreign influence. While the African Union has made strides in promoting unity, much work remains to be done.
Col. Katabazi highlighted the role of education in fostering this unity. Today’s youth must be equipped with the knowledge and ethical grounding that earlier generations received. Education should not only impart academic knowledge but also instill a strong sense of identity, ethics, and responsibility towards the continent.
He pointed out that the indoctrination often embedded in educational systems—prioritizing Western narratives over indigenous wisdom—must be addressed. Africa needs curricula that reflect its realities, foster critical thinking, and emphasize African history and contributions.
By nurturing a generation of informed, ethically conscious leaders, Africa can forge a path toward a stronger, more united future.
Additionally, Col. Katabazi stressed the importance of scrutinizing Africa’s political landscape. Why do leaders continue to be assassinated, and how can this cycle be broken? It is crucial to foster an environment where leaders are held accountable and where their visions for the continent are protected.
The call for African unity Is not merely an ideal but a necessity. The scars of the past remind us of the cost of division and the dangers posed by foreign interference.