Aronda again warns officers
Nov 13, 2005
THE Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, has called for discipline and cohesion of the army during the transition to multiparty politics.
By Emmy Allio
THE Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, has called for discipline and cohesion of the army during the transition to multiparty politics.
In an exclusive interview yesterday, Aronda said serving and retired soldiers must respect the institution of the presidency because it is the fountain of honour in a country. He urged soldiers to respect Parliament and other state organs as well as the civil authority, because these are what constitute national identity.
Aronda said the army maintained its neutrality during the Constituent Assembly in 1994, general elections in 1996 and 2001 and the recent referendum on change of political system.
“During the next general elections, the army will not take sides but will ensure that all political parties; NRM, UPC, DP, FDC and many others participate in a peaceful and stable environment,†Aronda said.
He said during elections, the police would be the lead security agency, “but if challenged, the Inspector General of Police can call upon the army to step in. Otherwise, the army’s role is to look for terrorists at the borders or within.â€
Aronda said his utterances on October 24 at Gulu barracks on the role of the army during the transition period were politicised.
He said in the Gulu meeting, he did not mention retired Col. Kizza Besigye or Al Hajji Nasser Sebaggala but only advised soldiers to remain neutral.
“During this period, the discipline and cohesion of the army must be exemplary. It must lead by example if we want people to respect the country and its institutions,†he said.
THE Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, has called for discipline and cohesion of the army during the transition to multiparty politics.
In an exclusive interview yesterday, Aronda said serving and retired soldiers must respect the institution of the presidency because it is the fountain of honour in a country. He urged soldiers to respect Parliament and other state organs as well as the civil authority, because these are what constitute national identity.
Aronda said the army maintained its neutrality during the Constituent Assembly in 1994, general elections in 1996 and 2001 and the recent referendum on change of political system.
“During the next general elections, the army will not take sides but will ensure that all political parties; NRM, UPC, DP, FDC and many others participate in a peaceful and stable environment,†Aronda said.
He said during elections, the police would be the lead security agency, “but if challenged, the Inspector General of Police can call upon the army to step in. Otherwise, the army’s role is to look for terrorists at the borders or within.â€
Aronda said his utterances on October 24 at Gulu barracks on the role of the army during the transition period were politicised.
He said in the Gulu meeting, he did not mention retired Col. Kizza Besigye or Al Hajji Nasser Sebaggala but only advised soldiers to remain neutral.
“During this period, the discipline and cohesion of the army must be exemplary. It must lead by example if we want people to respect the country and its institutions,†he said.