Binaisa Returns

By Richard Mutumba FORMER President Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa, 81, returned home yesterday after 14 years in self-imposed exile in New York, USA. Clad in a grey suit with a synthetic straw hat and carrying a walking stick, Binaisa arrived at Entebbe International Airport at about 7.30pm aboard a Sabena flight from Brussels. He was accompanied by the late Vice President Dr. Samson Kisekka's former personal assistant, Henry Nsereko and two of his daughters, Nakabiri and Mazzi Nsereko was one of the people who facilitated his return. Binaisa was received by the Minister in-charge of the Presidency, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, and an old friend and chairman of Spear Motors, Gordon Wavamunno. "I am extremely pleased to be back home after 14 years in exile in the United States. I am surprised at what I have seen so far. This is a new place," Binaisa said yesterday. He said it was his personal decision to return. He said Uganda was a great country and he had come to see what he could do and also to look after his property. Rugunda said the government was committed to meeting its obligations in caring for the former President. "It is our duty to accord him all that he is entitled to as a former head of state," he said. Rugunda said President Yoweri Museveni was happy to see that Binaisa had returned home. Under the Presidential Emoluments and Benefits Act, 1998, a former President is entitled to a monthly allowance of sh2m, a fully furnished house, a chauffeur-driven car, free medical treatment for self and immediate family and four guards. Other benefits include transport for the guards, a secretary (senior personal secretary), utilities like electricity, telephone and water and two domestic staff. A former president residing outside Uganda is eligible to enjoy the same benefits provided such a leader does not engage in subversive activities against the Government. Such benefits do not apply to former presidents who have been convicted of crimes such as genocide, according to the Act. Binaisa first fled to the US after he was overthrown by Paulo Muwanga's Military Commission in 1980. He returned to Uganda in 1986, but fled the country shortly afterwards. A lawyer, Binaisa was born in 1920 in Kampala. He is married with children. He was Uganda's Attorney General between 1962-67. He later went into private legal practice up to 1979 when he was appointed President. Ends