‘’Army Must Keep Out Of Partisan Politics’’—Gen. Muntu

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in Uganda politics June 25, 2021

Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Gen Mugisha Muntu said the Army needs to stay away from politics as far as possible. He said there is a need to rethink the structuring of the army.

This is in order to complete the transition of professionalized force under the command of civilian leadership.

The former army commander made these remarks during an ‘’Ask Muntu’’ session that took place online.

Attendees asked Muntu why he declined a ministerial appointment and instead chose to retire. This is after his time as the army commander.

In his response, Muntu said there were a number of reasons which even included some political ones. He however said it mostly happened because of his own value-based decision.

He added that from both a practical and conceptual point of view, he saw no reason to stay.

The ANT leader also explained that having served as army commander, any position he would take after that would actually be like a demotion.

‘’While I personally didn’t mind that, it would have raised several problems. First, my successor would have been put in the very uncomfortable position of recognizing me as his predecessor while also establishing his authority. Both senior and junior officers would also struggle with the chain of command raising the possibilities of indiscipline or lack of cohesion,’’ he explained.

Gen Muntu, given our history and fractured loyalties as a nation, noted that the last thing we need is an army with various, competing centres of power.

He said he had grown sceptical of Museveni’s commitment to the ideals they fought for. But more to that, Muntu was intent on ensuring he did not make the mistakes he called Museveni out for.

He stated that the task of building the institutionalized army and a country we desire falls on all citizens. This is both within the forces, and among the civilians.

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