Besigye beats security to attend Kategaya’s burial

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 9 MARCH 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Besigye-beats-security-to-attend-Kategaya-s-burial/-/688334/1714418/-/7lnma6/-/index.html

Dr Kizza Besigye, Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, and FDC party president Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu at Eriya Kategaya’s burial in Itojo, Ntungamo District, yesterday.

IN SUMMARY

Catching mourners by surprise, Dr Besigye’s arrival was announced by the master of ceremonies, State Minister for Labour Mwesigwa Rukutana, prompting a rapturous welcome from the crowd.

Presidential security appeared anxious in Itojo, Ntungamo District, yesterday when Dr Kizza Besigye made a surprise appearance, joining thousands of mourners at the burial of First Deputy Prime Minister Eriya Kategaya.

Amidst a heavy downpour, the arrival of the former leader of the Forum for Democratic Change coincided with the landing of a military helicopter carrying President Museveni.

Dignitaries from government institutions like, judiciary, military and parliament attended the somber occasion that saw Mr Museveni describe his former bosom buddy as a “well-formed gentleman who kept no grudges.

“We disagreed twice but reconciled. In 1973, we disagreed on the setbacks we encountered when we attacked Mbarara. We parted ways; he went to Lusaka (Zambia) and I to Arusha. We later reconciled and worked together,” Mr Museveni said.

Making mention of the 2001-2003 events that split the once bosom-buddies, Mr Museveni said;“If you go left and I go right, that does not stop us from working together in the future,” giving the example of the third deputy premier Moses Ali.

“I salute him for being a fully reformed person in terms of character and ideology. There should be no need for us as men to endlessly be at loggerheads,” he added.

Kategaya fell out with the President and joined the opposition when he opposed the lifting of presidential term limits from the Constitution by the Seventh Parliament at the reported instigation of the country’s leader. He was sacked from Cabinet and Mr Museveni, who had then come to his second and last constitutionally-accepted a five-year term and went on to run for office again in 2006.

Ms Joan Kategaya, first wife to the deceased, asked government to construct a fully-equipped hospital in Kategays’s memory.

“We were only looking for a hydro-therapy machine to save his life. That is why we had to go to Nairobi,” Ms Kategaya said.

Mr Museveni proposed the construction of a technical school in Ntungamo to be named after Kategaya.

Besigye arrives
At approximately 1.30pm, Dr Besigye walked into the main square at the Itojo home just as Mr Museveni’s chopper appeared over the Kategaya homestead.

Catching mourners by surprise, Dr Besigye’s arrival was announced by the master of ceremonies, State Minister for Labour Mwesigwa Rukutana, prompting a rapturous welcome from the crowd.
Current FDC president, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu left his chair to welcome Dr Besigye who sat next to him.

Since Tuesday, Dr Besigye has repeatedly been arrested almost the moment he steps out of his Kasangati residence. Police has accused him of attempting to restart the walk-to-work activities that nearly paralysed operations in Kampala city for close to a year.

FDC western youth leader Francis Mwijukye said it was imperative for Besigye to bury his former comrade-in-arms, who was one of the founders of the FDC.

In Kampala, security around Dr Besigye’s residence appeared unaware that he had slipped past them.

Police accuse Bishop Niringiye of inciting violence

NRM Rebel MPs face disciplinary Committee

Court to rule on Summoning Aronda Nyakairima

Bishop Niringiye Arrested, Released On Police Bond

SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 5 FEBRUARY 2013

 

http://www.redpepper.co.ug/?p=5517

 

Bishop Niringiye retired recently in order to fight graft

Zac Niringiye, the former Assistant Anglican Bishop of Kampala was on Monday afternoon released on Police bond from Wandegeya Police post  after being arrested together with eight other activists for allegedly inciting violence. They are members of the anti-corruption group ‘Black Monday’.

The other activists  are Nuwagaba Vincent, Kanyonyi Isa, Angyagasha John, Brian Atuhaire and Asan Kyegula among others.  The suspects were picked up Monday morning from Lumumba hall in Makerere University where they were found distributing the black Monday newsletter. They were taken to Wandegeya police post for questioning.

Stephen Omala, the special operations commander Kampala Metropolitan police says that the activists were arrested on charges of inciting violence. Omala who termed the group as ‘subversive’ said the newsletter being delivered by the activists has ‘elements’ of violence which should not be delivered in an academic institution as it may disrupt peace.

The newsletter outlines the amount of money lost in the recent corruption scandal in the Office of the prime minister.

The estimate of 22 billion shillings according to the newsletter is equivalent to 60 million shillings being eaten by one person every day for one year. The newsletter also points out what the country would have achieved if the money had been put to proper use.

The money would have allegedly built 1,222 schools at 18 million shillings each, bought 314 million shillings doses of malaria medicine at 7000 shillings each and 206 tractors at 107 million each among others.

Arthur Larok, country director Action Aid, one of the organisers of the black Monday campaign says that, they will not be deterred by the arrests.

He says that they will continue with their campaigns until the whole country joins the black Monday movement.

Nicholas Opiyo who is representing the suspects told journalists Monday afternoon that they  recorded statements. The last black Monday protest saw Arthur Larok and three others detained for questioning at Jinja Road police but they were released without charge.

Bishop Zac grilled for nine hours

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 5 FEBRUARY 2012

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Bishop-Zac-grilled-for-nine-hours/-/688334/1684748/-/5k7ru9z/-/index.html


Kampala

Retired Bishop Zac Niringiye was held for more than nine hours yesterday at Wandegeya Police Station after he was allegedly found distributing flyers condemning corruption.

Bishop Niringiye was arrested with nine other activists of the Black Monday anti-corruption campaign at Wandegeya. “This message is not new. Look at yourselves! We are saying corruption is bad! Look at the police barracks where you are living!” Bishop Niringiye told the police officer, who had arrested him.

Mr Deo Nkurungoma, Bishop Niringiye’s lawyer, said his client was subjected to a lengthy interrogation on allegations that on Sunday he distributed money to youth to mobilise them to participate in the anti-corruption campaign.

Police said the suspects were held on charges of inciting violence against suspected corrupt officials, adding that they would be taken to court if the Director of Public Prosecutions sanctions their files.

The civil society has organised a campaign every Monday where people are required to wear black and condemn corruption. The arrest of the bishop and other activists has been condemned by the civil society as the violations of human rights.

Mr Richard Ssewakiryanga, the executive director of NG0 Forum, said the police should stop arresting people who are peacefully exercising their rights. The deputy police spokesman, Mr Vicent Ssekate, said the flyers Bishop Niringiye and the nine others were distributing were similar to those of Activists for Change, which was banned by the government.

Walk to work: Anywar acquitted

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 5 FEBRUARY 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Walk-to-work--Anywar-acquitted/-/688334/1684754/-/io8226z/-/index.html

MP Beatrice Anywar leaves court in Entebbe after being acquitted yesterday. 

In Summary

Court says the State failed to adduce sufficient evidence to prove that the MP obstructed traffic.

Entebbe

Court in Entebbe yesterday acquitted Kitgum Woman MP Beatrice Anywar on two counts of obstructing traffic and assaulting a police woman during the 2011 walk-to-work protests.

Entebbe Grade 1 Magistrate Hellen Ajio cleared the MP because the state failed to adduce enough evidence and had conflicting testimonies. According to the charge sheet, Ms Awyar failed to comply with lawful orders on April 14, 2011 at Zana roundabout when two police stopped her from walking. She was accused of obstructing traffic and assaulting a police woman while executing her duty, which contravenes sections 238 of the Penal Code Act.

“In the first case of obstructing traffic, the state failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offence. In the charge sheet, they said Ms Anywar failed to comply with orders of Ms Asimwe, a police officer, to stop walking to work, yet witnesses said the orders were given by Ms Christine Namale,” Ms Ajio said while reading her ruling yesterday.

“In the second case, they added that Ms Anywar was walking with a group of about 60-70 people who have neither been produced in court, nor brought video evidence to prove their case.” She said because of the contradicting testimonies and failure to bring Ms Asimwe, who was key in this case, she found the case doubtful.

In assaulting Ms Namale, Ms Ajio said the three witnesses contradicted themselves as some said the offence was committed on April 14 2011, while Ms Namale testified that she was assaulted on February 14.

Ms Ajio added that Ms Namale went for a medical test two months after the incident happened, and that the state failed to bring the doctor who treated her to testify. Ms Ajio cleared Ms Anywar of the charges, but urged her to abide by the law. “I acquit you on both counts and you are her by set free. But be a good and obedient citizen,” Ms Ajio said.

Struggle continues
Ms Anywar could not hide her excitement, and said the struggle would continue. “The state uses the judiciary and other arms to prosecute opposition politicians, but it will not derail us from talking about things that affect Ugandans,” she said, adding that they will soon launch a campaign protesting the theft of funds from the Office of the Prime Minister.

In April 2011, tear gas and gunshots rocked Kampala and other towns as opposition leaders took to the streets to protest against the increasing fuel prices. Many opposition leaders were arrested, including FDC’s Kizza Begigye, but many have since been acquitted.

Ssekikubo to stand for the presidency

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 2 FEBRUARY 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Ssekikubo-to-stand-for-the-presidency/-/688334/1681872/-/7pusn9z/-/index.html

Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Kahinda Otafiire speaks at the graduation ceremony of Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikuubo (Left) recently. Looking on is Kampala Central legislator Mohammed Nsereko. F

IN SUMMARY

Declaration. The Lwemiyaga MP says he wants to fight corruption by assuming the highest office in the country.

Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo has said he will stand for the presidency to continue with his fight against corruption and promote peace in the country.

Speaking at Lwemiyaga Secondary School Playground on Thursday at the NRM 27th anniversary, Mr Ssekikubo said he is an eligible candidate for the country’s top job with better prospects having participated in politics and governance of the country.

He said the people of Lwemiyaga are looking forward to seeing a corruption-free and a peaceful Uganda.

“I am not under any body’s instructions or guidance. I will serve my country in whatever capacity and serve my people,’’ Mr Ssekikubo said.
Mr Ssekikubo accused some NRM officials of labelling some MPs ‘rebels’ for discussing weakness in government and exposing officials who mismanage public resources.

“I am in NRM by conviction not by conscription and I am a law abiding person who loves NRM,’’ he said.

“Those who think they can use personal interests to dismiss me are just wasting their time,” the MP said in reference to threats by the ruling NRM party that members who go against party positions could face disciplinary action .
He accused a group of his party officials of reporting him to President Museveni and labelling him a ‘rebel’ in the NRM.

Constituents approve
“Lwemiyaga County is known in Parliament as a breeding ground for outspoken people. It is known oversees and even US president Obama knows it,’’ he said, adding that his constituency will be in control of State House.

Lwemiyaga County residents have welcomed Mr Ssekikubo’s declaration, saying if he stands for the presidency, come 2016 general elections, they will support.

“President Museveni is getting old but Mr Ssekikubo is an energetic young man who can fight for the needs of impoverished people who are denied access to developmental government projects,’’ said the NRM chairman for Lwemiyaga County, Mr Ibrahim Batuma.

Coup threat tantamount to Treason

Citizens Weigh in on coup Threats

Besigye Lauds President Museveni On Peace And Security

SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 31 JANUARY 2013

http://www.redpepper.co.ug/?p=5347

Former FDC President Kiiza Besigye

Former Forum for Democratic Change president Col .Kizza Besigye has in a surprise turn heaped praise on his political nemesis, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni for restoring peace to the country.

Besigye who is not known to acknowledge the positives of the ruling National resistance Movement headed by President Museveni revealed this on Wednesday in an interview. He however faulted the President for diverting off the mission that inspired the 1981-86 guerrilla war that catapulted the NRA to power.

“I supported the intentions of the bush war which brought the NRM to power, but I am ashamed of what is going on in this leadership.” Besigye said

Besigye’s comments come as the ruling NRM celebrates its 27^th anniversary.

Besigye also said corruption in the country has reached unbelievable heights, with numerous scandals coming up every day, criticizing the use of public resources by the top leaders at the expense of the poor masses.

He cited the poor people mostly in the Eastern region who have suffered to an extent of being eaten up by jiggers as the leader lives in extravagance.

Kiiza Besigye contested for the presidency three times in 2001, 2006 and 2011 but lost all to Yoweri Museveni.

The retired Colonel served as Museveni’s personal physician in the National Resistance Army (NRA), when the group waged a guerilla war in the early 1980s and held ministerial positions after the former captured power in 1986.

In 1999, he applied to leave the army after authoring a damning dossier against the government and parted ways with his former commander forming opposition pressure group Reform Agenda before the advent of FDC.

Last year he relinquished power to Mugisha Muntu after retiring from his position as FDC president.

Aronda sued over coup comments

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 30 JANUARY 2013 

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Aronda-sued-over-coup-comments/-/688334/1679130/-/flfhv4/-/index.html

IN SUMMARY

Treason. Luweero Woman MP Brenda Nabukenya claims army commander’s remarks amount to treason.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, has been dragged to court over a statement he made, warning that the army could be forced to take over power if politicians do not change course.

The petition filed at Nakawa Magistrates Court is based on an affidavit sworn by Luweero Woman MP Brenda Nabukenya, who wants Aronda charged with three counts of treason.

He faces charges of treason related to contriving a plot, by force of arms to overthrow the Government of Uganda as by law established contrary to Section 23(1)c of the Penal Code Act. The CDF is also accused of treason through intimidating and inciting the military against the institution of Parliament, contrary to Section 23(2)a.

He is further accused of inciting officers and men of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to commit an act or acts of mutiny and treachery. 
Gen. Nyakairima stands accused of having committed the said offences during a press conference at the Army Headquarters, Mbuya, on January 23.

Ms Nabukenya avers that she has been advised by her lawyers that the CDF’s comments amount to criminal offences, including inciting the army to commit a crime, treason, offences against the State, concealment of treason and terrorism.

Mr Caleb Alaka of M/S Alaka & Company Advocates is representing Ms Nabukenya, according to court documents seen by this newspaper. 
“We think there was an act of treason committed by the Chief of Defence Forces,” said Mr Alaka last evening shortly after filing the case. “This is an elected government, you cannot as army commander talk of a taking-over even if the President has spoken. The President cannot overthrow himself but the army can.”

Ms Nabukenya said she was compelled to petition the court following an outcry from her constituents in Luweero.

Submission
“It is a fact that I have filed a case. You know I represent the people of Luweero, the area that suffered most under the war that brought this government to power, and my people have been complaining to me, saying they fear a return to conflict. Beside the feelings of the people, it is against the Constitution to talk of overtaking the government,” Ms Nabukenya said. “There was a need for someone to come out and account.”
The petition is the latest twist in a growing dispute over the doctrine of separation of powers and the independence of Parliament, which goes back to arguments about corruption during passionate debate on the oil sector. 
This dispute escalated following the death of Butaleja MP Cerinah Nebanda on December 14, 2012.

In an affidavit accompanying the petition, Ms Nabukenya tries to establish a link between the death of Nebanda, the subsequent fall-out between the Executive and Parliament after a section of MPs questioned government handling of the investigation and its own role in her suspicious demise.
Ms Nabukenya’s lawyers said they plan to serve Gen. Nyakairima through the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence but it was not clear whether the petition had been delivered by press time. 
Treason is a capital offence and attracts a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.

Dr Besigye picked up like a "grasshopper"

Lord Mayor Lukwago, Police in Showdown

Lord Mayor Lukwago, Police in Showdown

Besigye Arrested, Released Without Charge

SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 27 JANUARY 2013

http://www.redpepper.co.ug/?p=5211

Kiiza Besigye Being arrested during the 2011 protests. He was on Saturday arrested again for disobeying Police orders

Former Forum for Democratic Change leader Rtd Col Dr Kiiza Besigye who was on Saturday arrested by the Police for disobeying lawful orders after he attempted to participate in the planned cleaning exercise that the Police had outlawed was released later on Saturday night without any charges, according to one of his aides Francis Mwijukye.

Mwijukye who is a member of FDC’s National Publicity committee said the Rtd Col refused to sign a Police bond and be released without charge, however he was forced to change his mind at around 10 pm in the night when Police officers at Kiira Road Police station ‘deserted’ it leaving his team with no option but to take him home.

“Police was yesterday thrown into confusion after Dr. Besigye refused to make a statement at police and refused to sign a police release bond. He said he cant leave the police unless he is charged. He also said he cant sign a police bond because he did not request for it and at around 10pm security started abandoning the station one by one until only juniors remained and we took the Dr. home. They had been used to… take him to the police cells and in the evening they make him sign a statement and give him a police bond. now the game has changed, no more talking at police” read Mwijukye’s statement posted on his Facebook wall Sunday morning.

Police authorities said Saturday they arrested Kizza Besigye over plans to restart anti-government demonstrations in Kampala with the excuse of a cleaning exercise.

“Following attempts to unlawfully assemble and carry out riotous demonstrations … Kizza Besigye has been arrested this morning,” a Police statement said on Saturday.

The police said Besigye was charged with “refusal to obey lawful orders” and was being held at a Kampala police station along with Kampala mayor Elias Lukwago. However, this is contrary to Mwijukye’s statement that didnt indicate whether the Rtd colonel was charged

Opposition pressure group For God and My Country (4GC) announced plans last week to launch fresh protest events, despite the fact the group was last year outlawed by government.

The government banned the group claiming it had ulterior motives other than demonstrating against the harsh economic times during that period.

The group held Protests dubbed ‘walk-to-work’ over rising living costs in 2011 in the aftermath of the general elections and this led to a fierce clampdown by security forces that left at least 10 people dead across the country.

Kiiza Besigye, a former presidential challenger and leader of main opposition party Forum for Democratic Change, has been detained repeatedly as he has endeavored to restart opposition demonstrations.

CIID ordered to summon 4GC leaders

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 27 JANUARY 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/CIID-ordered-to-summon-4GC-leaders/-/688334/1675026/-/15imptd/-/index.html

IN SUMMARY

Mr Kaweesi alleged that the politicians, including former Forum for Democratic Change President Kizza Besigye and Mr Mathias Mpuuga engaged in unlawful society.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, Mr Andrew Felix Kaweesi, has ordered the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department to summon all opposition politicians who attended the For God and My Country (4GC) press conference at Katonga Road in Kampala on Wednesday.

Mr Kaweesi alleged that the politicians, including former Forum for Democratic Change President Kizza Besigye and Mr Mathias Mpuuga engaged in unlawful society.

“The Attorney General declared 4GC and its activities illegal. So these people met at Katonga Road and participated in unlawful society,” Mr Kaweesi said yesterday.

It is, however, not clear how the police came to a conclusion that the group was holding an illegal meeting.

Mr Kaweesi said they got information through intelligence that the meeting was attended by the members of a banned society.
Other officials targeted are Jeema party president Asuman Basalirwa and Mr Muwanga Kivumbi for Butambala County.

The summonses come at a time when the KCCA Lord Mayor, Mr Erias Lukwago, announced a cleanup exercise in the city centre on Saturday which the opposition leaders are expected to participate in.
Mr Kaweesi said since the cleanup exercise has been hijacked by the 4GC, they would not allow it to take place.

“The function has been taken over by the 4GC therefore we can’t allow an illegal society to take place,” he said.

Mr Mpuuga, when contacted yesterday, said they cannot be intimidated by the police summonses because that is one of the methods used by dictatorial regimes to suppress human rights.

“These summonses they want to use don’t move us an inch. We are waiting to be arrested and detained. This has become part of our life in the fight against dictatorship,” Mr Mpuuga said.

He said they are challenging the Attorney General declaration of 4GC in court, adding that they would participate in the clean-up exercise despite the police warning them against it.

Police detain Besigye and Kampala Mayor Lukwago

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 27 JANUARY 2013

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Police-detains-Besigye-and-Kampala-Mayor-Lukwago/-/688334/1675834/-/r8appg/-/index.html

The Kampala north director of operations, Mr Sam Omala, grabs a garden fork from Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago before he was arrested and taken to Kiira Road Police Station. Police had earlier camped at Mr Lukwago’s residence from as early as midnight to bar him from participating in the opposition-led city cleaning exercise. 

Former Forum for Democratic Change President, Dr Kizza Besigye and Kampala Lord Mayor, Mr Erias Lukwago were Saturday morning arrested and detained at Kiira police station and Kira Road Police station respectively.

Police say the politicians will be interrogated for participating in an event organised by an outlawed group.

Mid-last week, Dr Besigye and several other members of the pressure group known as For God and My Country (4GC) held a press conference in Kampala which the police declared illegal saying attending the group’s activities tantamounts to unlawful society.

This prompted Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, Mr Andrew Felix Kaweesi, to order the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department to summon all opposition politicians who attended the press conference at Katonga Road in Kampala on Wednesday, culminating to the arrest of Dr Besigye and Mr Lukwago.

Others being hunted by police over the same charges are Jeema party president Asuman Basalirwa and Butambala County MP, Mr Muwanga Kivumbi.

Dr  Besigye was picked from his Kasangati home early this morning and taken to Kiira police station.  Mr Lukwago is being held at Kiira Road police station.  It is not clear when the two will be charged.

The arrests come just a day after the two were issued with police summons to appear at the Kireka- based Special Investigation Unit (SIU).

Police Summons Besigye, 4GC Leaders Over Cleaning Exercise

SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 26 JANUARY 2013

http://www.redpepper.co.ug/?p=5176

 

Former FDC President Kiiza Besigye

Former Forum for Democratic Change leader Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye and other leading opposition figures of the outlawed For God and my Country pressure group (4GC) have been summoned by the Police to explain their involvement in the planned cleaning exercise slated for Saturday.

MPs Muwanga Kivumbi and Mathias Mpuuga, FDC Women League boss Ingrid Turinawe and JEEMA leader Asuman Basalirwa were informed of the summons on Friday according to Deputy Police spokesperson Vincent Ssekate.

The activists who are expected to appear at Special Investigations Unit in Kireka will be grilled by detectives for what police has termed as “managing an unlawful assembly.”

The 4GC activists including Besigye, mid-week announced the resumption of political undertakings in Kampala including a cleaning exercise of the city expected for Saturday.

According to Mathias Mpuuga, the 4GC Coordinator, while addressing the press on Wednesday at the group would be joining Kampala City Mayor Erias Lukwago this weekend to participate in the Clean Kampala exercise.

He called on all Kampala citizens to turn up in big numbers armed with all cleaning gear to carry out the exercise.

Leading opposition figures are expected to address would address city residents at what he termed a “consultative rally”. The venue for this rally Nakivubo Blue Primary School.

According to Police, the said cleaning exercise is an excuse by the activists to gather and cause chaos which he said security will not tolerate instead vowing to arrest those who participate.

Deputy Police Spokesperson Vincent Ssekate said while the onus is on Police to respect and uphold the constitutional rights of individuals and groups to assemble and express their opinions, it will not tolerate actions intended to put others’ lives and property in danger.

4GC replaced Activists For Change, an advocacy group created by mainly opposition figures in the aftermath of the last Presidential elections.

Their actions saw a spate of violent engagements between the activists and Police as the latter tried to block the former from organizing riots in the city which the activists claim were to protest the harsh economic times.
The government has treated this group with suspicion claiming their aim is to overthrow the establishment. Last year, the government outlawed the group.

What waits to be seen however is whether the opposition leaders summoned will honor their summons as they have a history of going against them.

Generals clash on coup talk

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 26 JANUARY 2012

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Generals-clash-on-coup-talk/-/688334/1675382/-/liq73/-/index.html

Several veteran soldiers have weighed in on the raging debate about the possibility of a coup, with some describing talk of a military takeover as “barbaric”.

Maj. (rtd) John Kazoora, who fought in the five-year Bush War have that brought President Museveni to power in 1986, said the possibility of a coup amounts to treason.

“The coup plotters should be questioned by police. It’s treasonable to insinuate that the army can take over power when we have a Constitution,” Maj. Kazoora, now a member of the opposition FDC, said. “If those treasonable comments were made by other people, I am sure they would be compelled to record statements with police. I want to make it clear; I will use my last atom/effort and energy to resist such barbaric acts.”

Maj. Kazoora, who described the comments made by Mr Museveni, Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, on the possibility of a military takeover as unfortunate, did not explain how he intends to resist the action in case it happens.

However, Brig. Fred Mwesigye, who fought in the Bush War and currently represents Nyabushozi County in Parliament, defended the army, saying it is “trying to reclaim democratic rights it fought for”.

Brig. Mwesigye, without stating names, said some leaders were abusing parliamentary privilege to preach “hate” against the government.

But his views were contested by Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, a former spy chief, minister and now backbencher in Parliament. Gen. Muhwezi, who vowed to oppose any attempts of a military takeover, said nothing warrants a coup currently.

He said such action could only be justified if the country slipped back into chaos and that the army is “non-partisan but a politicised”, adding that “it’s not apolitical, our army is political but it’s non-partisan” and it is conscious of the will of people.

Speaking on the matter yesterday, the Army Spokesperson, Col. Felix Kulayigye, said: “The UPDF cannot overthrow the Constitution of Uganda. The peoples’ army cannot overthrow democracy. But the people’s army cannot tolerate mobocracy.”

The army spokesperson said the military leaders are only cautioning politicians who are plotting to “overthrow the Constitution”.

Backing up the accusations, Col. Kulayigye cited incidents where MPs attempted to grab the Speaker’s mace during the controversial debate of the oil Bill and when they investigated the death of Butaleja MP Cerinah Nebanda alongside the police.

“We have witnessed so many deaths in the country, why did they get involved in this one and not others? No one has ever stopped police investigations and so they should never,” he said.

On separation of powers, Col. Kulayigye said: “You don’t expect the President to respect Parliament when they don’t respect the Presidency. The ultimate responsibility of security and stability of the country lies with the President. We call upon our leaders to respect the pillars of government.”

Asked to comment, Justice Minister and Bush War combatant Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, declined. “Why don’t you ask the people who made the comments? Leave me alone,” he told the Saturday Monitor.