)
)
Gen David Sejusa, the former head of Uganda’s military intelligence, is calling for a ban on the highest-ranking members of the UPDF from being elected to parliament.
Gen Sejusa, who retired from service in 2022, says parliamentary work falls well below the ambit of such high-ranking servicemen and women.
He says the highest-ranking UPDF officers in Parliament should be a Lieutenant Colonel.
Read: President Museveni lauds Parliament for passing UPDF Amendment Bill
)
)
)
A disgrace
“Generalship means dominion power. It is a combination of power, responsibility, right to govern and control, including exerting influence in the broader political landscape,” he said.
“In that sense, then, a General, serving or retired, has no business in the common people's parliament. The highest rank in that House should be a Lt Col, not even a full Colonel.”
If there was a need to have such representation of a General, Sejusa recommends the creation of a Senate where they can second them to be involved in “strategic level discussions."
“A General sitting in a chair waiting to claim sitting allowance in the evening is misallocation of resources, actually, a disgrace,” he added
Gen Sejusa was speaking in light of some retired senior members of the UPDF who are currently contesting for parliamentary positions.
Some of the notable ones include Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde and Brig. Gen Emmanuel Rwashande.
)
UPDF in Parliament
The UPDF currently has 10 representatives in Parliament. All but two are above the rank of Lt Col.
They are:
Gen David Muhoozi
Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi
Gen Katumba Wamala
Lt Gen James Mugira
Lt. Gen Sam Kavuma
Maj. Gen Henry Matsiko
Col Victoria Nekesa
Lt Col Charity Bainenababo
Major Jenifer Alanyo
Understanding UPDF Ranks
The UPDF ranks are structured in descending order as follows:
General
Lieutenant General
Major General
Brigadier
Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Captain
Lieutenant
2nd Lieutenant
Warrant Officer Class 1
Warrant Officer Class 2
Staff Sergeant
Sergeant
Corporal
Lance Corporal