UPDF Pressured to Take Action as Retired Generals Allegedly Cause Political Havoc

Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo has called on the deputy Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, to take immediate action against two retired army officers he accused of engaging in misconduct.

Ssekikubo made the appeal during a meeting on January 20, 2025, with Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, chaired by Wilson Kajwengye of Nyabushozi County.

The session also featured officials from the Defence Ministry, led by Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, veterans' state minister Huda Oleru, and other top army officials, including army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye.

The meeting focused on the Budget Framework Paper for the 2025/26 Financial Year, with a proposed allocation of UGX 213.118 billion for the pension and gratuity of resettled and reintegrated veterans.

Ssekikubo raised concerns about a December 23, 2024, incident in which he was allegedly teargassed while attempting to access a meeting organized by his political rivals. He accused retired Generals Emmanuel Rwashande and Phinehas Katirima of using their influence to intimidate civilians in his constituency.

“They are involved in active politics, which is their right having retired. But they are causing havoc even before the election period is on. They are fighting against civilians, who they are supposed to protect and lead by good example,” Ssekikubo stated.

He also questioned whether the budgeted funds would be misused by officers engaging in such misconduct.

“This is not the discipline we have known of the UPDF. May we get their assurance that this money is not going into the hands of those who are using it, army vehicles, and escorts to intimidate and beat up people,” he said.

In response, Lt. Gen. Okiding requested detailed information to address the issue and promised to investigate the claims. He said, “We have our mechanism of summoning those retired generals.”

Meanwhile, Kagoma County MP Brandon Kintu raised alarm over the growing trend of deploying UPDF soldiers as bodyguards for civilians, including religious leaders.

He noted, “The UPDF is guarding men of God. Sometimes, I fear going to church because if a pastor fears the pulpit and is being guarded by the UPDF, is the UPDF more protective than God?”

Kintu warned that such practices could lead to conflicts during the upcoming general elections.