Mrs. Buturo Cautions Protocol Officers Against Corruption

The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Under Secretary of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Edith Buturo, has cautioned protocol officers and staff against engaging in self-destructive vices like corruption. “Many of us are rushing into protocol, and diplomacy because we think there are dollars and money; if you don’t have anything to take there don’t go!’

Mrs. Buturo was speaking at the closure of a two-week training under the Directorate of Protocol that was held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters, Mbuya.

She underscored the importance of the capacity building training which she said is a step towards professionalizing the protocol function and building capacity of its human resource.

Mrs. Buturo appreciated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the strategic partnership that has led to the actualisation of the dreams of the revolutionary fathers and said, “You are part of this story of evolution of a Nation that has come from the doldrums to the frontline of States.”

The Under Secretary challenged the protocol officers and staff to appreciate and understand how the global environment impacts their lives and the execution of their duties.

The Joint Chief of Staff, Major General Leopold Kyanda who was represented by the Chief of Personnel and Administration, Brigadier General James Kinalwa said he has no doubt that after the training, the staff will be able to apply the techniques, and approaches they have learnt to fulfil what they are required of.

He appreciated the commitment of the Under Secretary of Finance and Administration towards supporting similar courses as the UPDF moves towards building a strong Directorate of Protocol.

He added that apart from Military Assistants and aide-de-camps, there is a need to bring on board Political Commissars, CIMIC Officers, and Public Information Officers so that they all learn how to manage delegations and National functions that are now held throughout the country.

The MODVA/UPDF Director of Protocol, Colonel Naboth Mwesigwa said that during the capacity building training, the officers and staff covered various topics which will be part of the standards as protocol officers.

Col Mwesigwa rallied the Protocol Officers and Staff on integrity, loyalty, discipline, professionalism and patriotism in the execution of their duties. He cautioned them against expecting gifts and bribes from the principals they were assigned to.

The two-week training that was conducted at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters, Mbuya was aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Protocol Directorate in handling guests and handling protocol work.