In a move that took many by surprise, four junior UPDF soldiers were given medals after a confrontation in which they denied the Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters led by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire access to a military installation in Mutungo.
Sergeant Julius Katuriba was given the Rwenzori Star medal for blocking ‘unauthorized’ persons, government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo said on Monday.
Opondo was presenting to the media Katuriba and other people decorated by President Yoweri Museveni during Heroes Day in Wakiso district.
“Because of the meticulous way these officers conducted themselves – the President decided to confer on them meritorious awards,” Opondo told the media at Uganda Media Centre.
“The Commander on duty that day was Sergeant Julius Katuriba, who was given the Rwenzori star, the 3rd highest military decoration for distinguished or exemplary military service,” he added.
Opondo said the President had awarded Katuriba and the three other officers under his command that day because they did not allow to be disarmed by people who were not their commanders and more so “prevented unauthorized persons, from entry to a restricted national security facility.”
“We acknowledge her (Justice Bamugemereire’s) role and work but we do request while doing government work all duty should be taken to follow established procedures so that the fracas that happened that day can be avoided,” Opondo said.
Mr Opondo said the rewarded soldiers “refused to be disarmed by people who are not their commanders.”
According to Section 5 of the National Honours and Awards Act, 2001, the Presidential Awards Committee shall advise the President in respect of persons upon whom titles of honour may be conferred.
However, the commission said it will not read “too much” into government’s award of medals to soldiers who blocked its members from accessing prime plots on Mutungo Hill, a city suburb.