The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has issued a strong warning to its serving officers against participating in active politics before tendering in their resignations.
The UPDF Act, 2005 prohibits members of the defense forces from participating in partisan politics while still in active service.
The same act provides for procedures for retirement and discharge under Sections 66 and Section 67.
According to procedures, if a member of the defense forces wishes to retire or resign his commission, he writes to the Defense Forces Commissions Board, but shall not be relieved of the duties of his/her appointment until he/she has received notification, in writing, of the approval of his/her resignation by the board.
Even if one applies, the board has a prerogative to reject one’s application if the defence forces still need his/her services.
Col. Charles Wacha Angulo, the Director Human Rights Affairs in the UPDF says the UPDF act is very clear and anyone who wants to become an active politician should first relinquish his position in the force.
“It is a requirement that an active serving officer should be relieved from the force before seeking an elective office,” Col. Wacha explained.
He also said army officers will vote like any other Ugandans as it is their rights as citizens of this country and assured Ugandans that the army will influence the voting in anyone’s favor since the constitution is very clear on their role as the army.
Earlier, the 4th Division Infantry Commander Brig. Kayanja Muhanga warned retired servicemen against instigating violence during the 2016 general elections.
Brig. Muhanga says that some politicians whom he described as wrong elements will want to take advantage of the ex- army men as party agents in order to cause chaos.
