Katirima Apologises

By Anne Mugisa The Army spokesman, Lt. Col. Phinehas Katirima, has apologised to former Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jeje Odongo for what he referred to as “embarrassment and inconvenience” caused by press reports attributed to him. Katirima said in a statement that the media alleged that he spelt out reasons why President Yoweri Museveni had made changes in the UPDF Command. “Refer to The New Vision of 06 Nov 2001 under the heading ‘Army Secrets leaked under Jeje command.’ The Monitor of the same day under the heading, ‘Army reveals why Odongo was axed,’ and other sections of the press misquoted me alleging I had spelt out the reasons why H.E. the President and Commander-In-Chief had made changes in the UPDF command. “I told the press in no uncertain terms that I did not know the reasons behind the reshuffle and advised them to address such a question to H.E. the President and Commander-in-Chief whose prerogative it was to make the reshuffles. “Apparently some sections of the press misconstrued what I had said and quoted me out of context. I apologise to Lt. Gen. Odongo Jeje and all for any embarrassment and inconveniences caused,” he said. Reports quoted Katirima as saying Odongo’s administration had failed on soldiers’ discipline and welfare though it beat off rebels and terrorists. Jeje condemned the remarks while handing over office in Bombo. Ends