The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen David Muhoozi has responded to allegations that he summoned Mr. Moses Nkonge Kibalama, the National Unity Platform founder.
Although Gen. Muhoozi admitted to meeting Kibalama, the CDF noted that it is his rights and privileges as a Ugandan to meet anybody. The General however dismissed allegations that the meeting was about NUP.
“Someone got in touch and told me Kibalama had requested to meet me. I was going for a meeting, I asked, can’t it wait? He said Kibalama’s life was in danger. I did not solicit the meeting. I advised Kibalama to contact the police. Later, I heard that he had gone to ISO and then court. But why shouldn’t I meet him or any other Ugandan?”
Gen Muhoozi was appearing on UBC TV’s Behind The Headlines Talk Show on Wednesday evening.
Asked whether he regrets meeting Kibalama following the reaction that ensued regarding NUP, Gen. Muhoozi said:
“I wouldn’t want to be drawn in the dynamics of NUP. But everyone is entitled to an opinion. I have finally been given the opportunity to be heard; I met Kibalama on matters other than NUP.”
On reports that the military is being used by the ruling party to suppress political opponents, the CDF said UPDF is over the board and still professional to handle its roles without taking sides.
“I want to assure Ugandans that it’s possible for us to participate in elections as voters while being professional at the same time. The mistakes that have happened, we shall correct, it’s a learning process,” he said.
Below are some of the excerpts from the CDF’s responses on some matters.
Unity: “Is there consensus on national interests among political actors? It is incumbent on all of us to agree on a minimum of what binds us together in spite of our differences. Plotting against one’s country is criminal”.
2021 elections: “The freedom to exercise one’s right to participate in elections is matched by the obligation not to breach the law. Once you cross the line, the law will catch up with you”.
Peace: “Are we above board? We may not be out of the woods yet & that is why we need to have rules of engagement. The bottom line, elections come & go, this shared space called Uganda should remain peaceful. Calls for collective effort”.
Professionalism: “We have had infractions by some individuals, were they as a result of President Museveni‘s instructions? No. We are committed to professional standards. Personnel who commit mistakes are arrested and prosecuted”.
UPDF’s Impartiality: “I think Hon. Katuntu is overly judgemental. President Museveni is by law the Commander-in-Chief. In that respect, we’re enjoined by law to be answerable to him.”
SOPs: “Going forward, during the general election, personnel will have to abide by certain standards, MoH SOPs to stem the spread of #COVID19 & our rules of engagement. Personnel who fall short will be held accountable”.
About Soldiers’ participation in NRM Primaries: “We did not have rules of engagement as primaries were a party matter & such personnel were not expected to participate”.
Role of UPDF in Elections: “Police is the principal actor. Our investment in this duty is dependant on information, we are prevention – heavy”.