EC sets election date to replace Sejusa

By Emmanuel Luganda

KAMPALA - The Electoral Commission has set January 15 as the date for electing an army representative in parliament after Gen. David Sejusa lost the seat.

Sejusa, formerly the coordinator of intelligence services, left the country without official leave from the army (AWOL) and is now on a self-imposed exile reportedly in the UK.

The army effectively declared the renegade army man a deserter towards the end of last year.

President Yoweri Museveni said early last October that Sejusa was “already a deserter who made a lot of mistakes”, and that he would be “handled according to the law”.

Despite being warned by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga to return to Parliament or else lose his seat, the army general did not appear, leading to the loss of his position in the House.

The Electoral Commission spokesperson, Jotham Taremwa, told journalists on Friday that elections will take place Wednesday week at Bombo barracks.

The candidates will be nominated and voting will take place thereafter, he said, adding that results will be announced that very day.

Sejusa stirred a lot of debate when he travelled to London on April 30 and days later released a controversial statement citing intrigue in the army.

Sources within the military intelligence have since revealed that his outbursts through the press were “an attempt to divert ongoing investigations that he is well aware of”.

Speaking at State House Nakasero after a Europe trip, President Museveni dismissed as “rubbish” talk that Sejusa can use force and cause violence in Uganda.