Army scrutinizes Sejusa's retirement application

By Joyce Namutebi           

General David Sejusa’s application for retirement is being considered, UPDF spokesperson Lt. Co. Paddy Ankunda has said.
   
“He applied to retire. His application was received. It is being looked at,” Ankunda said when contacted Tuesday regarding Sejusa’s application.
   
“He (Sejusa) will have to be patient. He is not the only one,” Ankunda added.
   
Reacting to a recent warning issued by the army to serving military officers, Sejusa, who is former coordinator of Intelligence Services, on Monday wondered why he was not being retired from the army as he had requested.
 
He said, “If the army still operates under the law, if an officer applies for retirement, after 90 days the army shall inform the applicant on its decision, but they ignored me.”
   
Last week Ankunda said: “Serving military officers caught making partisan statements will face the wrath of the law. Defiant UPDF officers during this electioneering period will be dealt with firmly.”

Sejusa waves to Besigye fans at the Nakivubo rally on November 4. Photo/Peter Busomoke

Despite the warning, Sejusa attended presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye’s rally at Nakivubo Stadium soon after his nomination.
   
Addressing the rally, Sejusa warned Forum for Democratic change supporters that if they did not push to bring about change, their children would suffer.
   
He attacked President Museveni, saying that although he has been in power for 30 years, most Ugandans cannot afford to buy new clothes, but only buy second hand clothes.

Sejusa has been named on Besigye’s campaign team.

The general said the warning does not apply to him. “How can I be a serving officer when you don’t pay my welfare? he asked.
   
"Their warnings are misplaced. They refer to a person in a different category- not my category. That warning can’t apply to me,” Sejusa said when contacted.
   
He said he had served for 34 years and he is neither deployed nor paid. “What do they want with me. I have followed the law and applied, you have refused to answer,” Sejusa said.
   
Asked about Sejusa’s salary Ankunda referred the New Vision to President’s Office saying that the general can not draw two salaries. He said Sejusa was a presidential advisor.
   
The Minister for Presidency, Frank Tumwebaze could not be reached for comment.