Gen. Saleh’s turning point
Dec 27, 2005
GENERAL Salim Saleh has retired from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) after 25 years of service. In many ways Gen. Saleh’s life tells the story of the struggle for liberation.
GENERAL Salim Saleh has retired from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) after 25 years of service. In many ways Gen. Saleh’s life tells the story of the struggle for liberation.
Initiated into the fight against dictatorship at an early age he had to abandoned school to join the struggle against Idi Amin in the 1970s.
From that moment his soldering life was shaped and he grew into an inspirational commander during the National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war against the Milton Obote regime in the early 1980s.
Saleh fought decisive battles that eventually brought the NRA/M into power in 1986. And immediately as army commander he had to confront several rebellions in the north and northeast.
His performance on the battlefield is undisputed so is his understanding and assessment of military situations. But in life there are low points too. Away from the battlefield valour his personality provoked controversies.
From the wrongful attempt to buy Uganda Commercial Bank to his mention in the procurement of junk military helicopters, he was in ruins. But like a true solder, ready to face the fire, he accepted mistakes and always tendered in resignations and soldiered on. Twenty-five years in the army is a long period.
Saleh needs a new life outside the army. And this should be a point of reference. As UPDF gets professional, it should seriously consider 5-10 years contract for all soldiers as in other armies in the world.
Like Saleh there are others who have served the army for over 10 years. Perhaps the long service was justified due to the prolonged conflict in the north.
But the fact is the army cannot be a life long career because of the rigorous nature of its operations. However Saleh’s experience on the battlefield should not be lost.
He can still be of use by taking up the role of a visiting lecturer at the Senior Command and Staff College.
Initiated into the fight against dictatorship at an early age he had to abandoned school to join the struggle against Idi Amin in the 1970s.
From that moment his soldering life was shaped and he grew into an inspirational commander during the National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war against the Milton Obote regime in the early 1980s.
Saleh fought decisive battles that eventually brought the NRA/M into power in 1986. And immediately as army commander he had to confront several rebellions in the north and northeast.
His performance on the battlefield is undisputed so is his understanding and assessment of military situations. But in life there are low points too. Away from the battlefield valour his personality provoked controversies.
From the wrongful attempt to buy Uganda Commercial Bank to his mention in the procurement of junk military helicopters, he was in ruins. But like a true solder, ready to face the fire, he accepted mistakes and always tendered in resignations and soldiered on. Twenty-five years in the army is a long period.
Saleh needs a new life outside the army. And this should be a point of reference. As UPDF gets professional, it should seriously consider 5-10 years contract for all soldiers as in other armies in the world.
Like Saleh there are others who have served the army for over 10 years. Perhaps the long service was justified due to the prolonged conflict in the north.
But the fact is the army cannot be a life long career because of the rigorous nature of its operations. However Saleh’s experience on the battlefield should not be lost.
He can still be of use by taking up the role of a visiting lecturer at the Senior Command and Staff College.