By Dennis Otim

10^th January 2011

Lt. Col. Kulaigye, despised by Ugandans

An overwhelming number of Observer newspaper’s online readers have attacked the UPDF and Defence Spokesperson Lt. Col. Felix Kulaigye for his political attack on IPC presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye.

In his opinion article “UPDF despises Besigye’s political bankruptcy” published on 2^nd January 2011, Kulaigye said the UPDF will “…not remain neutral when blatant lies are told by those in the know to those that don’t know”.

The UPDF Spokesperson was reacting to reports which suggested that while campaigning in the Acholi sub-region, IPC presidential flag bearer Dr. Kizza Besigye had said “…that the war [in the north] would not have begun in the first place had government not mismanaged the politics by marginalising the Acholi”.

In his article, Kulaigye then hit back at Dr. Kizza Besigye and accused him of attempting “…to distort history for cheap political reasons. He added that Besigye’s allegations amounted to “…opportunism [and] obscurantism of the highest level unexpected of Col Kizza Besigye’ calibre”.

In an obvious attempt to drag opposition leaders into the NRM’s catastrophic handling of the insurgency in northern Uganda, Kulaigye said the government that Besigye accuses included Besigye himself, Sam Kalega Njuba, Maj. [Rtd] Nuwe Amanya Mushega, Gen. [Rtd] Mugisha Muntu, and Major [Rtd] John Kazoora; all of whom are now leaders in the Forum for Democratic Change [FDC].

Under the existing law however, UPDF soldiers like Lt. Col. Felix Kulaigye are strictly barred from making politically controversial statements.  Kulaigye’s attack on Dr. Besigye therefore attracted the wrath of many Ugandans who were incensed by his obvious breach of the law.

Reactions to Kulaigye’s political attack on Besigye

Enos Malambala said “…the army should help us and keep out of partisan tendencies.  Mr. kulagye, you speak for the UPDF and we Ugandans expect you to respond when a candidate attacks UPDF.  The NRM government has Ofwono Opondo and Karooro Okurut who can respond to that. Don’t destroy the credibility of our army for your personal interests.  It doesn’t matter whether what you are saying is true or not. We just request you to keep off partisan politics and be ready to accept any body Ugandans will vote”.

Mukutugwa said, “…the sole purpose of the UPDF is to serve the mandate of the Ugandan people.  UPDF thus has no right or entitlement to a political opinion.  In cases where UPDF is accused of crimes, it should pursue the courts of law to clear itself of the said allegation.  It is clearly not wise for the UPDF Spokesperson to give the impression that the Ugandan Army would not heed to Rtd Col Kizza if come February Ugandans elect him to become the next President of Uganda.  UPDF should end this psychological intimidation of Ugandan voters”.

For his part, Magumba Yeko said, “…I read this article with a lot of disregard to Kulaigye.  Kulaigye is a serving army officer who is supposed to be non partisan and therefore should wait for any Commander-in-Chief [C.I.C] to come….It would be advisable that as a serving army officer, you keep a low profile because you are not tall enough to look into the future.  Please respect your position even in your individual capacity.  This shall give UPDF a good name as being non partisan”.

Another Observer reader who only described himself as Ericad said, “…fellow Ugandans, see how low our institutions have sunk.  How can a Ministry of Defence/Army spokesman begin criticising the main opposition candidate like this?  This is outright disgusting.  When shall we be delivered from this set of people who are sinking our country deeper and deeper into malaise, corruption and lethargy?  Another 5 years of this? This is too much”.

Brenda, another reader, said “…this man Kulaigye is just a civilian in UPDF uniform….he doesn’t know that the army is for Uganda; not Museveni’s property.  The whole country knows him as an NRM leaning guy in the military with little knowledge of military ethics”.

Sewankambo Sentongo seemed lost for words.  He said, “…a serving army officer writing against a presidential candidate!  Are these your words and opinion or for the army which you speak for?  You know that UPDF is not the first Ugandan army.  Since it has decided to be partisan, it will soon join the rest.  Change is coming whether you want it or not”.

J.J Ivan said, “…I have read Kulaigye’s reaction to Dr Besigye’s campaign speech while in Gulu with great deal of shock.  This confirms the observation that those who claim to have liberated this country in 1986 did so purely for themselves, their relatives, friends and in-laws.  The degree of impunity being demonstrated by our army officer certainly proves to every living soul in this country that the citizens are hostages of the 1986 ‘liberators’.  I only wish to advise our misguided officer that peoples power will in the end prevail…please slow down on excitement”.

Charles said, “…Mr. Lt. Col Felix Kulayigye.  I thought you knew your duty and that of UPDF.  But I see that you really know nothing whatsoever as a military Spokesman….I believe you are airing your views in the wrong forum. If you continue on this line, Ugandans will have no doubt that UPDF is a partisan army.  It is not fit to protect them.  It is fit to protect one man; Museveni.  You Kulayigye and UPDF should stop meddling in civilian politics.  You smell sick when you do that.  Ugandans expect the army to be above partisanship and ready to serve under any leader the civilian will vote for come 2011. For God and My Country!”

Benjamin Mayanja however, one of the few who supported Kulaigye’s stance, said “…what lies did Kulaigye express?  Who else should put us to know of army activities other than the army spokesperson? Karooro & Ofwono speak for the party not for the army.  Must Besigye, a whole presidential aspirant, go unchallenged over sentiments that can cause civil strife? Did Besigye use his offices correctly before falling out with government? I rest my case”.

On the whole however, it is absolutely clear that the majority of Ugandans want their army to remain non-partisan and professional.  It is therefore fair to say that Kulaigye has done the UPDF a great disservice with his partisan political outburst.

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