The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has said politicians found involving military escorts in political activities risk their guards being withdrawn.
According to the Ministry of Defense spokesperson Brig. Gen. Flavia Byekwaso, the army has learnt that some members of parliament who were military escorts for their personal security have started involving them in violence between contending political groups.
Brig. Gen Byekwaso says contenders for political offices should not involve army or police escorts since their assignment is purely for their (MPs) personal security. She noted that doing so compromises the MPs’ security and whoever will be found culpable will have the guards promptly withdrawn.
A number of Members of parliament especially from the ruling party -NRM, were assigned military escorts last year, in the wake of armed criminality that rocked the country.
Gen. Byekwaso said, the same applies to all other politicians who are armed or have armed guards.
The new development follows reports of political violence involving soldiers attached to politicians canvassing for support ahead of the 2021 general elections.
In a recent incident, State Minister for East African Community (EAC), Hon Julius Maganda who is also an MP for Samia Bugwe, survived being shot by a UPDF soldier during an alleged political showdown with his political rivals in the area.