Kampala, Uganda – Col. Edith Nakalema, the Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), has urged Ugandans especially the youth to uphold integrity and be willing to make personal sacrifices for the country’s peace and long-term progress.
She made the remarks on November 17 during a public lecture at Victoria University Kampala, an event that attracted students, lecturers, and members of the surrounding community. The discussion highlighted the growing call for civic awareness within Uganda’s higher institutions of learning.
Addressing the theme of patriotism, Col. Nakalema noted that genuine commitment to Uganda requires action rather than rhetoric. She stressed that fighting corruption and nurturing unity are key responsibilities for every citizen.
“Patriotism goes beyond emotions. It is about choosing to live ethically and making sacrifices that safeguard Uganda’s stability and development,” she told participants, according to those in attendance. Her message comes at a time when the country continues to tackle governance concerns and persistent corruption.
Drawing on years of experience in anti-corruption work, she reminded the audience that national stability begins with individual integrity and accountability.
The lecture was organised by Victoria University, with Vice Chancellor Dr. Lawrence Muganga facilitating the engagement. Photos shared from the event showed Col. Nakalema interacting with students, speaking to a full hall, and later posing with university officials for a group photo.
The university presented her with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of her efforts. Many students later took to social media to praise the session, with one noting that the lecture “opened our eyes to our role in building Uganda.” Others suggested that civic education should be reintroduced in primary schools to instill these values early.
Col. Nakalema’s background adds weight to her advocacy. She was elevated to the rank of Colonel in 2021 and previously led the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) between 2018 and 2022. During that period, her team recovered large sums of stolen public funds and pursued high-profile cases such as the Bank of Uganda currency investigation.
Under her stewardship, SH-ACU rolled out anonymous reporting platforms and intensified public awareness through anti-corruption walks and youth ambassador programs at institutions including Makerere University and Uganda Christian University. These initiatives disrupted several corruption networks and improved public trust in government oversight.
Since taking charge of SHIPU in 2023, she has shifted her attention to safeguarding investors. The unit has introduced measures such as the Electronic Investors Protection Portal to curb fraud and reduce bureaucratic delays. These efforts have contributed to attracting more than $46 billion in investments, generating an estimated 1.2 million jobs, and positioning Uganda as Africa’s leading investment destination for 2023–2024. Her work supports President Yoweri Museveni’s wider campaign against corruption and for economic transformation.
The lecture comes at a time when calls for ethical leadership are increasing, particularly among the youth. As Uganda advances toward future reforms and elections, voices like Col. Nakalema’s continue to emphasize that patriotism requires consistent action against corruption.
Victoria University has announced plans to host more engagements of this nature to empower young people. For Col. Nakalema, the session reinforced her long-standing mission: “Together, we can rebrand Uganda into a nation defined by integrity.”
