The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) newly elected representatives in Parliament have defended their stay in Parliament saying they play a key role in developing policies related to security.
In January 2021, the UPDF elected 10 representatives in Parliament. They are; General David Muhoozi, the Chief of Defense Forces, Works Minister, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, Lt. Gen Wilson Mbadi and Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen Peter Elwelu as UPDF representatives in Parliament.
Others elected are; Lt. Gen James Mugira, the managing director and chief executive officer of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the Deputy Commander Land Forces, Maj. Gen Sam Kavuma and the UPDF Chief Political Commissar, Maj. Gen Henry Matsiko. The female representatives are Colonel Dr. Victor Nekesa, Lt Col Charity Bainababoand Maj. Dr. Jennifer Alanyo.
However, MPs and some members of the public have been calling for the removal of army representatives to Parliament since they are a listening post. However, led by the CDF David Muhoozi, the Army has said their role is crucial in Parliament especially when it comes to security matters.
He was yesterday speaking to journalists after being sworn in as one of the Members of Parliament representing the Army in Parliament. Muhoozi was asked by journalists if the army deserved to be MPs and yet they are only listening posts as stated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Muhoozi said that they will listen, but more importantly engage in issues related to the security and defense of the country. He says it is not true that the UPDF is militarising politics by coming to Parliament, and there is no need to ask the MPs out of Parliament. He also says they will not participate in partisan issues.
Asked on sanctions by the United States on some top Government officials, Muhoozi said up to date they have not yet studied the sanctions and that Government will handle that.
Major General Henry Matsiko, the UPDF Political commissar says the Army is constitutionally in Parliament, and it doesn’t matter who wants them out. He says the army is a representative of the history of liberation.
Lt. General James Mugira says the Army is non partisan and is focused on the development of Uganda. He says that they took an oath to defend the constitution, and people should not undermine the constitution which provides for the army in Parliament.
*******
URN
