Otunnu is right on Luwero probe, Ogole insists
By Our Staff Writer – 12th-18th July 2010
Dr. Olara Otunnu
Uganda Correspondent readers have over the last four weeks heard Col. John Charles Ogole argue that Museveni’s NRM government deliberately set out to tarnish his name using a propaganda campaign that is “grotesque” and “totally against the African culture” for its use of human skulls [see: Uganda Correspondent, 28th June 2010]. Some Uganda Correspondent readers who responded to Ogole’s claims didn’t exactly state who they blamed for the Luwero atrocities. One merely said,“…the real butchers of Luwero are the people who mercilessly left the skull of their victims lying on display like tomatoes on sale by the road side. That was disgusting and unforgivable. Let’s believe they were innocent people, why were their remains degraded and used for propaganda purpose? The government of Uganda, in the form of Deputy NRM Spokesperson Mr. Ofwono Opondo, hit back last week at Ogole’s claims saying “…they are nothing new” and that “…the Ogoles’ merely want to rationalise their extremes in Luwero Triangle to the presence of NRA” [see: NRM govt hits back at Ogole and UPC, Uganda Correspondent, 5th-11th July 2010].
One thing has however come out very clearly: Ugandans are happy to hear both sides of this tragic Luwero story. “It’s great that both sides are putting their case before us. It is now up to us Ugandans to make up our minds and pass judgment”; said Cyrus Onyango from Tororo-Uganda.
This exclusive and historic Ogole interview series continues! This week, Ogole congratulates UPC Party President Dr. Olara Otunnu upon his election and also offers his views about Otunnu’s call for a fresh independent inquiry into the Luwero atrocities. “As far as Otunnu’s call for a fresh independent investigation into the Luwero atrocities is concerned, of course, I strongly support his call without second thoughts or even blinking”; Ogole insists. He then adds that, “…this inquiry is long overdue and I believe it will serve as a panacea to the affliction caused by the two brutal regimes”.
The big question that immediately comes to mind that Uganda Correspondent of course dutifully put to Col. Ogole was: Would he, as someone who was deeply involved in the Luwero war, be prepared to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the fresh probe that Otunnu is calling for? His reply was swift. “Absolutely”, he said. But with a precondition! “…I can’t wait to testify in such an inquiry; if it’s independent and free of Museveni’s influence”; Ogole added.
Ogole insists too that he is not the only victim of what he consistently calls “Museveni’s war”. In his view, “…there are people who lost much more: Lives, husbands, wives, dear ones and properties. Nothing in this world can ever be sufficient compensation for such people. So I don’t want a war of words between me and Museveni to add insult to their injury now”.
When asked if, at his age, he still feels that he is the “excellent military tactician” that some people think he is, Ogole laughed out loud and gave a cryptic response that gave the impression that he was very reluctant to talk about his own military prowess. “What I will say is that my military knowledge and skills are built over a long period of military service, studies, engagement in war, and reading many books on military art and science. I will tell you however that other than the training and reading, any military commander worth the name must have certain natural qualities and abilities to withstand and quickly adapt to the difficult situations that war brings….. So I will let other people be the judges of my military capabilities”; Ogole says.
“Excellent military tactician” or not, one thing was abundantly clear from this latest interview. Ogole feels that he still has a lot to offer Uganda! “…I owe it to Uganda to make a humble contribution [if called upon] towards its final liberation from Museveni’s tyranny. After all, it is Uganda that made me the person I am”; Ogole says with the optimism, hope, as well as the expected anxiety of a man who is desperate to return back to his motherland after spending over 25yrs in exile. “Don’t lose hope”; Ogole tells Ugandans.
Read this week’s full interview [Ogole’s full interview on new Luwero probe] under our “National” news section. Next week, we will publish another hard hitting part of this exclusive interview series with Ogole. Don’t miss out!
editor@ugandacorrespondent.com
