UPDF Irked by Unfair US Sanctions Against CMI Chief Gen Kandiho

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has expressed disappointment with the U.S government for slapping financial sanctions on Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, the Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI).

In a statement issued by the UPDF Spokesperson, Brig. Flavia Byekwaso, the Army says the U.S government has “unfairly” treated Gen Kandiho.

“We have been officially notified about the unilateral financial sanctions against Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, the Chief of Military Intelligence-UPDF by the United States of America (USA) government,” Byekwaso said in a statement.

“As a country and UPDF in particular, a reputable government institution, we are disappointed that such a decision could be made by a country we consider friendly, a partner and a great ally, without due process and in total disregard of the principle of fair hearing coupled with failure to make the necessary consultations.”

Financial sanctions prevent a firm from carrying out transactions and/or financial services with a person or organisation (known as ‘the target’). Financial sanctions vary depending on the severity of the situation in question. Such sanctions exist for a variety of political, military, social, and economic reasons and work by preventing, pressuring, or restricting targets in an effort to curtail their activities.

However, Brig. Byekwaso said that they will be seeking clarification from the U.S government “to be able to determine way forward.”

Gen Kandiho is one of the respected and decorated UPDF officers well known for dismantling cells that threatened to destabilize Uganda’s peace and security. In early 2020, Gen Kandiho was promoted from the rank of Brigadier to Major General.