Kazini’s explanations about the army are indefensible!

SIR— I wish to react to press statements attributed to former army commander Maj-Gen James Kazini over the purchase of a hi-tech Range Rover and its escort cars at sh405m. Kazini does not deny the cost, which confirms The New Vision story. Instead of telling us the truth, he unfairly attacks the former army commanders, alleging that they stole spoons, carpets and refrigerators when they were leaving office. For a senior army officer to insinuate such calls for a reprimand from the commander-in-chief, shows indiscipline. He claims that The New Vision reporters Grace Matsiko and Emmy Allio are his enemies and that Matsiko called him and told him that he was going to “fix” him after Kazini complained of his reports.
Has Kazini ever complained to The New Vision management about Matsiko’s reporting? How come Kazini allowed Matsiko to continue covering UPDF operations in Congo and Sudan and the functions at Bombo after he felt he was not reporting well?
This shows Kazini is up to something. If it is true that Matsiko threatened Kazini, then Kazini’s leadership was wanting if he can be threatened by a mere reporter. As a commander of top-most rank in a fairly sophisticated army, couldn’t Kazini have tape-recorded Matsiko as he threatened him and the telephone he used?
There is no doubt Kazini defeated the ADF and brought relative discipline in the UPDF. However, we want explanations, not calling for sympathy.

Richard Osinde Wangolo
Makerere University Business School