By Kasozi Nasser
The Uganda People’s Defense Forces army has been directed to return to their base and shall be summoned by police if needed in the case where some of its soldiers and the Local Defense Units assaulted, manhandled and brutally arrested the Mityana District LC5 Chairman Joseph Luzige.
Joseph Luzige the Mityana District Boss file photo
This came after the involvement of two strong figures, Gen. David Muhozi, the Chief of Defense Forces and Col. Edith Nakalema the head of State House Anti-Corruption Unit after the arrest of four officers who were arrested yesterday.
The suspects according to Brigadier Richard Karemire, the UPDF spokesperson are; L/Cpl Simon Peter Anguria, Pte Simon Odeke, Pte Caroline Musundi and Pte Isaac Okello.
Local Defense Unit Officers during an operation in Kampala file photo
This was revealed by three senior leaders in the Army sent by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. David Muhoozi to make an on spot assessment and confer with both the district leaders and the district security committee.
The envoy was led by Maj Gen. Sam Kavuma the Deputy Commander Land Force (D/CLF), Maj Gen Samuel Kawaga (Cirst Division Commander) and Maj Gen. Henry Masiko the Chief of Political Commissar (CPC).
Soldiers grabbing NRM’s Joseph Luzige
Mr Luzige after meeting the envoy released a statement where he praised the government for the quick actions exbihited.
“They stated that their trial and persecution shall be by a field Court martial held here in Mityana. The Army has also assured the people of Mityana that no more assault or beating shall take place and they have directed that UPDF soldiers in Mityana go back to their Base and will only come out upon request by police,” he said
Gen. David Muhozi the CDF Flle photo
Luzige appreciated Lt. Col. Nakalema, CDF Gen. Muhoozi, The Director General CMI, The Army Spokesman Brig. Karemire, Maj. Gen. Kiwanuka, Maj. Gen. Kawagga and his friend Ssebina Ssekitooleko for explaining to him that those were individual actions and that the army was to prosecute them.
“Under Article 183 of the Constitution, I am the political head of the district and Article 183 (2) (b) I monitor the General Administration of the district. Under Article 183 (2) (d) I cordinate and monitor Government functions including provision of security or otherwise and report to Government accordingly,” he said
The Local Government Act Cap. 243, section 13 provides my roles which all include ensuring the General well being of the people in my District. And it is therefore my responsibility to ensure that no one mistreats my people.
