The UPDF establishment has distanced itself from a ‘political revelation’ made by one of the high-ranking soldiers Brig. Deus Sande who revealed that the army will not simply handover power in case Gen. Yoweri Museveni loses an election.
While addressing NRM mobilisers in Masaka City this week, Sande clad in the military attire said as long they (NRA combatants) are still existing they will not hand over power.
He said, the army is not ready to give out power to ideologically bankrupt Ugandans.
He further assured all those planning to cause change in Uganda that UPDF isn’t actually planning a handover but rather consolidating its position.
The UPDF is commanded by President Yoweri Museveni as the Commander in Chief (CiC).
Sande heads the UPDF mechanised brigade based in Masaka district.
Brig. Sande’s remarks ignited debate in the opposition circles with heavyweights who served in the bush (1980-86) before breaking ranks castigating his rhetoric as partisan yet the military is a neutral force which must salute every Ugandan who wins an election apart from President Museveni.
Col Kizza Besigye and Gen. Henry Tumukunde are among the opposition kingpins who scoffed at Sande’s statements.
The deputy spokesperson of UPDF Col. Deo Akiiki earlier said Sande’s comments don’t represent the army but a person.
“Quote Sande as Sande, Army positions are communicated by the army spokesperson, it’s that simple,” said Lt. Col Akiiki.
And now the UPDF spokesperson Brig. Flavia Byekwaso, Sande is not the mouthpiece of the army and therefore his views are personal.
“The official position is that the army will cooperate with anybody elected by Ugandans,” she said.