Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi has come under fire for defending controversial remarks made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in which the army chief suggested the military would not allow a civilian to rule Uganda.
Kafuuzi, appearing before Parliament, argued that Muhoozi, like any Ugandan, has the right to express his views despite the Constitution prohibiting serving military officers from engaging in partisan politics.
Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona strongly criticized Kafuuzi’s defense, calling it shocking and disappointing. “I went to the same law school and high school with Kafuuzi, but I am disheartened by his interpretation of the law on this matter,” said Sseggona. He suggested that had it not been for parliamentary decorum, he would have openly described Kafuuzi’s opinion as “stupid.”
The comments in question by Muhoozi, President Museveni’s son and a high-ranking army officer, have sparked concern about the neutrality of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in political matters.
Parliament heard about previous instances where the UPDF hierarchy appeared reluctant to discipline Muhoozi for similar statements including a personal exchange with the Chief of Defence Forces, General Wilson Mbadi, who allegedly said that he did not want trouble when questioned about Muhoozi’s behavior.
Jonathan Odur,the Erute South MP said, “I was the Shadow Minister responsible for Defence and I put this question to the delegation of UPDF, that we have a serving military officer who appears to be above the law. When I begun to ask the question former Defence Minister Vincent Ssempijja felt some cold and rushed out, Marksons Oboth the State Minister for Defence then, immediately got a call and rushed out saying I am coming back literally running away. The CDF Wilson Mbadi who had the command, I asked him, as the Army Commander, can’t you issue orders. The CDF told me..Do not cause me trouble. And said, please, leave me alone.”
Sseggona urged the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, to initiate a parliamentary investigation into Muhoozi’s remarks, which he believes pose a threat to the safety of all Ugandans. “This is about the security of everyone in this country. Such remarks should be scrutinized,” he argued.
However, Tayebwa rejected the proposal, insisting that the UPDF has its own disciplinary procedures. “I don’t want Parliament to turn into an investigative body before the UPDF has utilized its mechanisms,” Tayebwa said, dismissing calls for further parliamentary inquiry.
The controversy highlights growing concerns about the role of the military in Uganda’s political landscape as Muhoozi continues to make headlines with his outspoken comments and endorsements of his father, President Yoweri Museveni.