By Ronald Nahabwe
Kampala: Forum For Democratic Change (FDC) stalwarts have warned active military and police officers in Uganda that many of them will end up like former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen. Kale Kayihura, who was recently slapped with sanctions by the US government.
This was revealed by the Party officials while Commemorating Uganda’s 57th Independence anniversary with a Public Lecture at the Party Headquarters in Najjanankumbi-Kampala.
Ibarahim Semujju, the Party spokesperson, revealed that the FDC sufficiently addressed the issue of military involvement in politics because of the great danger it poses towards the opposition supporters.
‘’The Constitution is very clear in chapter 12 on Defence and Security. Article 208 is very clear. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces shall be nonpartisan, national in character, patriotic, professional, disciplined, productive and subordinate to the civilian authority as established under this Constitution.” He said.
He added: “It is UPDF that Museveni used especially to cheat elections in the just concluded Hoima District Woman MP by-election.
It is UPDF which Museveni is using to ban People Power red beret. And it is UPDF which Museveni is using to do NRM work.’’
He said that all those military officers involved in these acts are being monitored for their actions because Uganda is on the watchlist of countries with high human rights violations.
‘’We once again would like to caution the CDF Gen. David Muhoozi and all the army leadership to resist Museveni’s invitation to participate in partisan politics. There will be a day for each one of you to account when 75 year old Museveni has long gone. Uganda will not end with Museveni and you will not follow him to his grave. Follow the Constitution and you will be remembered, the way we are now remembering Musaazi and Abu Mayanja.” Semujju stressed.
FDC reechoed that police and military officers who are breaking the laws under the pretext of supporting Museveni should pick a leaf from USA’s recent travel ban on former IGP Kayihura.
Ssemujju also gave a key note address during which he reechoed the Works of the great men that fought and negotiated for Uganda’s Independence like Ignatius Kangave Musaazi, Abubakari Kakyaama Mayanja, Apollo Milton Obote, and Sir. Edward Muteesa among others whose efforts have been eroded by the current regime, which he said created an impression that Uganda acquired her independence in 1986.
The Party Chairperson Ambassador Wasswa Biriggwa made a passionate presentation of pre-independence Uganda and clearly highlighted the struggles that defined the road to independence.
Rt. Hon. Betty Aol Ocan, the Leader of Minority in Parliament, made a comparative analysis of the Pre and post-independence Uganda.
The Party President Hon. Patrick Oboi Amuriat wrapped up the Lecture with an overview of the Independent Uganda that should be.
He noted that Uganda, unlike immediately after independence, is bedeviled with the worst debt burden standing at Shs44Trillion with immediate fears on an imminent invasion and takeover of the country by the Chinese.
