Tell me, is there no conflict of interest in the army?

Oct 25, 2005

SIR —Nowhere in the countries I know are soldiers supposed to participate in active politics. This however does not seem to be the law in Uganda.

SIR —Nowhere in the countries I know are soldiers supposed to participate in active politics. This however does not seem to be the law in Uganda.

Why should the government allow soldiers to actively participate in campaigning for a particular constituency when we are now going back to multiparty politics in the next general elections?

A man from Luweero, David Ntege has already been arrested and imprisoned for nine months for making sharp political statements that were perceived to be anti-government. If a civilian can so swiftly be arrested, prosecuted and convicted for speaking his mind, how much worse will it be for soldiers?

On which side are soldiers supposed to be, since as a rule, they are only supposed to obey orders and ask no questions? Soldiers should stay in the barracks and their participation should be limited to voting.

Likewise, the modernisation of the army should be limited to improving welfare and education.

Those who badly want to join active politics should be released from the army just like civil servants are required to resign. Is there no conflict of interset in the army?

Name withheld

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