The Chief of Military Intelligence Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho is not shaken by the decision of the American to slap financial sanctions against him.
On Tuesday the UPDF establishment expressed uneasiness over the same wondering why the decision to sanction one of its vital Generals would be done without due process, fair hearing or consultation.
“As a country and UPDF in particular, a reputable government institution, we are disappointed that such a decision could be made by a country we consider friendly, a partner and great ally, without due process and in total disregard of the principle of “fair hearing”, coupled with failure to make the necessary consultations,” read the press statement from the Office of the Defence Spokesperson Brig Flavia Byekwaso.
Justifying its actions the U.S Department of the Treasury said, “As commander of the Ugandan Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Major General Abel Kandiho and other CMI officers have arrested, detained, and physically abused persons in Uganda.”
“Kandiho was personally involved, leading interrogations of detained individuals.”
But to Kandiho, the sanctions are a waste of time since he has no business with the United State of America.
Speaking to this website via Whatsapp, the spymaster maintained that he is not worried neither bothered because that wouldn’t deter him from pursuing threats in the region which require more concertation.
“No worries, I am not bothered by the so called sanctions, I have no business with USA,” he said in a Whatsapp text.
He added,” I am concentrating on my work. The threats we have in the region need more concentration. I will not allow to be diverted.”
To Kandiho the sanction are political yet he is a soldier.
He cautioned the American government against creating unnecessary enemies instead of allies.
“They should just be careful not to create unnecessary enemies and losing allies,” he warned.
He concluded: “At moment I am too occupied with more important operations.”
Officials in the military wondered if the sanctions against Kandiho are financial as America reported not political.
“It’s actually political sanctions not financial. How come Uganda is not putting sanctions on USA when people died at Capitol Hill during elections in USA?” an official asked.
Gen. Kandiho is perceived as a one of the blue-eyed boys of President Yoweri Museveni considering his efforts to crackdown espionage by the Rwandan government.
CMI has arrested several of Rwandan spies involved in numerous killings and kidnap of Rwandan refugees in Uganda.
As a result, Rwandan government’s protagonists have over the years used social media unleash a tirade of outbursts against Gen. Kandiho.