I am fighting abuse of power, Ugandan General declares
May 30, 2013 (KAMPALA/JUBA) – An army officer, who recently fell out with the Ugandan government, now says he is fighting against power abuse in the country.
“Abusing the law and institutions just to keep the current leadership in power … pretty soon will lead to ceaseless strife in Uganda,” he said.
Uganda’s military laws bar serving officers and soldiers from participating in electoral politics.
Last month, the feared army general, penned a letter to the internal security service calling for an investigation into reports that high-ranking officials were at risk of assassination, should they oppose what he referred to as the “Muhoozi project.” Brig. Muhoozi Kaneirugaba, president Museveni’s son, is allegedly being groomed to succeed his father when the latter bows out.
The letter, extensively published by various media outlets in Uganda, sparked off lots of controversies within the military. Several media houses, including the country’s independent Daily Monitor, newspaper were shut down and while police besieged their premises for over a week.
The army accuses Gen. Sejusa, who coordinates Uganda’s intelligence services, of spreading propaganda that encourages rifts within the army.
Paddy Ankunda, the army spokesman was quoted saying an official investigation has already been instituted into Sejusa’s conduct.
Museveni, in power since 1986, recently made impromptu changes in the military, removing his army chief, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima and his deputy, Gen. Ivan Koreta. The two officers were cited in the general’s letter as some of those opposed to the rise of the first son.
Recent intelligence information have, however, revealed the extent of the renegade general’s fallout with the president and how the security bosses want to deal with the situation
On April 30, president Museveni reportedly summoned four top trusted aides to State House for an emergency meeting. These included, the Inspector General of Police, Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura, Gen. Aronda, Brig. Muhoozi and the chief of military intelligence, Brig. Charles Bakahumura.
The meeting, according to media reports, was called to discuss Gen. Sejusa’s alleged threat within the military circles and how his activities could be contained before it escalates.
Museveni, during the meeting, reportedly accused the army general of organising deserters, Iraqi returnees and civilians with military potential under the guise of intelligence operations.
According to Museveni, the senior army officer, would then send those guys around to collect information on strength, combat readiness and morale of UPDF with special interest in Special Forces Command (SFC), especially armored brigade, mechanized units, air defenseetc, which are strategically critical.
“Some of the people he was using are said to have reported back to Museveni about these incidents,” Uganda’s The Independent magazine reported.
(ST)