A look into Gen. Sejusa’s retirement speech

Today I will talk about and address a recent speech by someone who has stood tall, who has been in trouble and been attacked the by system. This is General David Sejusa aka Tinye aka Tinyefuza. A man who has warned the nation about “Project Muhoozi” and went to exile about it. This week after over two decades waiting for his official retirement. It finally happened and he even held a speech like Nobel. He could have walked out in spite or in anger. The General would have all the reasons to do so. His been violated, cascaded and been maliciously treated for his rebellion.

On the 31^st August 2022, the day was finally there for Gen. Sejusa and he held a powerful speech. I will not look into all of it, but only a few titbits of it. He really spells things out, but in a manner of which is to be expected of a man who is held in high regard.

The first paragraphs that caught my eyes was these:

“As it is normally the case many may wonder, the Gen Sejusa who has had runs in with the system and so on, how does he now represent these gallant officers? The answer is simple ; It’s because he belongs to the family and the family never breaks no matter the disagreements. There are four types of family which maybe summarised; The human family; The one of Adam and Eve and I, and the African Family, the Ugandan family and then the biological family under which all of us fall. The UPDF/NRA family falls under the Uganda family. The essence of family as a unit is for the survival of a species or that subject or object and for that family to survive, it must have the capacity to manage and withstand the disagreements and the contradictions within no-matter how fundamental they maybe or they may appear to be” (Sejusa, 31.08.2022).

Here the General is stating a vital point, but it’s like he haven’t seen what has happened to other dissidents. The General of the ages, a man I admire and aspire to his finesse of rebelling from inside. He surely have seen how costly it has been to disagree wit the NRA/NRM over the years. Gen. Sejusa must have seen that… and he must known the practices from the inside too. That’s why the ideals his speaking of is valid and sincere. However, we know damn well the practices towards outsiders and popular dissidents. It was for a reason why he only felt safe going into exile too after deciding to leak “Project Muhoozi”. The General didn’t do that out of nowhere, but because he knew what was waiting him…

Gen. Sejusa continues:

“Freedom fighting is not a simple smooth enterprise where the lion may lie with the lamb as the bible says. It is a terrain that can be bumpy, thorny, deadly, meandering and dangerous. That’s why leaders who take on the role of fighting for freedom of the African peoples need ideological grounding to navigate this difficult terrain. Mr President, I thank you for the years we have been in these wars and nation building to see the strives which have been made. The African survival will depend on the leadership who acquire capacities to manage the difficult bottlenecks and contradictions” (Sejusa, 31.08.2022).

The words here is really compelling too. Gen. Sejusa says this with all of his heart. We know that he has challenged Museveni and his credentials. That’s why he stood by the side of Dr. Kizza Besigye at one point too. Gen. Sejusa knows what cause he fought for and what sort of state the Republic is in now. It is also obvious that he says the freedom fighting isn’t over and has to be fought for to this day. Because, he says there are bottlenecks and possible contradictions. Therefore, Gen. Sejusa states the mission isn’t over and to say that is an assessment of how the President has failed.

He further says:

“I wish to thank the leadership who have since held this country together. It’s not easy for African countries to remain peaceful for 40years. It’s not easy. So it shouldn’t be lost anywhere despite our disagreements. As times change and political differences crop up, we get many revisionists. History must never be altered or rewritten and absolutely I am no revisionist my self. The NRA leadership, the chairman of the high command, Yoweri Museveni who led that war and the commanders who served under him achieved the un-imaginable. It was not easy” (Sejusa, 31.08.2022).

This here statement can be questioned, what sort of peace has there been since 1986? The North was burning for ages after the NRA took-over Kampala. Further, there been several of conflicts and usage of the army in civilian manner ever since. That’s why the peace that has been created is fragile and not really sustainable. The centre only holds because of the army and not only defending the nation against invaders. It is there to attack and intimidate the citizens. That is not revising history, but assessing the realities. The NRM cannot hold without the UPDF. That is a truth and this is why the President invest most into the UPDF. This is his bread-and-butter.

The last part I will quote is this:

“Those still serving the UPDF, the mission to liberate Africa has never been greater and more urgent. So much has been achieved and a lot is yet to be achieved. We have like it is a case everywhere, new challenges, some are existancial; I pray that the leadership God gives it wisdom to navigate these hardships. Therefore continue training, use the opportunities being provided. Make sure that you deepen your ideological horizons. But above all love your Nation and always honour the people of Uganda. They are special people” (Sejusa, 31.08.2022).

Well, the mission of UPDF is this: ”To defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, and the Constitution that encapsulates people’s sovereignty through popular will”. That’s why the liberation of Africa isn’t UPDF mission or the NRA in general. This is just the wording, which comes to play when you want to galvanize and make the causes more vital. While the UPDF is the national army and the army of nation, which makes the purpose to defend the integrity and the borders of the Republic from invaders. The UPDF isn’t there as tool or a means to salvage others. No, that is what leaders and envision other purposes for it.

The latest part of the paragraph is something that all in the UPDF should listen to, because it’s the other reason why they are there in the first place. The UPDF has to serve and love the nation, as they are defending it. That is just obvious, but a very nice sentiment.

Secondly, honour the people, meaning don’t extra judicial kill, torture or be part of the oppressive agenda, which we know the UPDF have been. If the soldiers and the ones serving is listening to Gen. Sejusa than they should actually stop doing this things, because there is no honour in injustice or impunity. Neither is it serving the people, if they are violating their rights and liberties. Therefore, the words matters and the UPDF should really honour the special people of Uganda.

Gen. Sejusa deserve praise and honour for his service. Also, for his defiance and his open rebellion against the state. That’s why the state punished him and didn’t let him retire for so long. This is why I have a soft spot for him. Even if he spoke in such manner towards Museveni yesterday. While I understand why he did it… Peace.

26 Years and Counting: Gen. David Sejusa still isn’t allowed retire from the army

This General has caused a lot stir over the years. He has clearly been a resound opposition during the years of 2013, as he revealed the “Project Muhoozi” and the plan of ushering the first son as the successor of the President. He went a year away in Exile and formed a political party Freedom and Unity Front (FUF), which he used as a vehicle in exile.

Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza aka Tinye have a huge standing in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) as he served as army commander and also a member of High Command UPDF, the UPDF defense council and a member of parliament representing the Uganda People’s Defence Force.

Reported about his first retirement request:

“On December 3, 1996, Sejusa who was then a presidential aisor on Defence and Internal Affairs, wrote to President Museveni as commander in chief, resigning from the UPDF. “With great difficulty, I have decided to resign as a member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces…There are several reasons but most important among those is that I feel I am unjustly being harassed over my testimony before that Parliamentary Committee…To require me to appear before the High Command so that action is taken against me is rather too high handed,” Sejusa wrote” (The Observer – ‘Retirement – Will Sejusa Have His Way This Time?’ 03.01.2015).

Reported about his second retirement request:

“Once again, it all depends on the wish of President Museveni as commander in chief. Dr Busingye Kabumba, a constitutional law lecturer at Makerere University, said in a Monday interview that legally speaking Sejusa can succeed in his quest to retire. “Gen Sejusa enjoys the right to retire or resign for as long as he follows the established procedure. But the grant of his wish is a matter that is dependent on the political reality of the time,” Kabumba said” (The Observer – ‘Retirement – Will Sejusa Have His Way This Time?’ 03.01.2015).

He has blocked his request again in 2022:

“The judges explained that the approval of the application to resign can be withheld on reasonable grounds and that the effect of not communicating the approval or disapproval of the application meant that Gen Sejusa continued to be a serving army officer. “ln practical terms, he remained the serving officer of the UPDF after the statutory 90 days and this amounted in practicaI effect, for the intervening period before he receives his or her approval or refusal of the approval, a refusal.” The Court of Appeal consequently overturned the judgment by Justice Margaret Oumo Oguli that had indicated the Gen Sejusa had been retired from the army” (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘Government wins case to have Gen Sejusa back in army’ 14.02.2022).

The NRA Commander and insider within the National Resistance Movement who fell out with the President. Is clearly not allowed or blocked from civilian life. As he has lost his privileges in Parliament and within the UPDF. However, his still a soldier in their eyes. While Gen. Sejusa haven’t been involved or worked within the national army for years.

We know the fallout was already in 2013 and that’s 9 years ago. The General is close to 10 years in defiance of the President. The President did promise his retirement in 2019 but the Courts have clearly not allowed it. Therefore, the General is still part of UPDF to this day.

Just imagine when the Party and the Government can do this to its own. A man who was a commander and a resolute soldier in their liberation war. When they can retaliate and act this way towards him. Yes, his been an insider and has vast knowledge of how the NRA, UPDF and NRM operated. As he was a trusted army commander and he did excel in his role. However, his still a person who has his rights and is justified to retire.

The reason for not doing is, as simple as if he speaks or utter words of defiance he can be challenged in Court Martial and be seen as treasonous. It would like his mutineer and going against the army, which he happens to represent. Even if he hasn’t been in command or held an office within it for years. That’s the only reason for this quagmire and lack of results.

It’s tragic, but it’s like the saying:

“Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer”. That’s evident here and it’s all in the open for the whole word to digest. Peace.

Buganda Magistrate Court issues Warrent of Arrest on WizKid (16.12.2016)

Uganda: Legal Red Note on Wizkid after failed concert in Kampala (16.12.2016)

Face TV Statement: “the Excitement aroud the Wizkid concert has been heart warming” but he was stuck in LA (02.12.2016)

Free Uganda statement in support of the YOUTH WARRIORS who are spreading the message of Revolution and mobilizing the masses for the Freedom Struggle (01.04.2016)

Ugandans will not allow Museveni to impose himself on the country using NRM cadre judges, and the savage barbarism of Kayihura//Muhoozi killer-torture squads. The nation’s patriotic youths are igniting the fire of Revolution that will spread across the land in the coming months.

Uganda’s Revolutionary youth are leading the Struggle for Freedom, and their message of DEFIANCE is spreading like fire across the Motherland.

As the ‘CHAIN’ WARRIORS’ were successfully highlighting the state of terror in the country, by chaining themselves in strategic areas of the capital city, Music Superstars, like Eddy Kenzo, Bobi Wine, etc, were making their contribution by using their performances as a launch pad for mobilising the masses.

Free Uganda thanks these patriotic youth for paving the way for the evolving struggle. We applaud their courage and determination in the face of intense brutality and repression from the Museveni / Muhoozi / Kayihura negative forces.

Fellow Liberation Struggle Patriots of the young generation – the CHAIN WARRIORS, the MUSIC WARRIORS, the STREET WARRIORS, the CITY WARRIORS, the VILLAGE WARRIORS, etc, your noble stand against injustice and Museveni’s terrorism is inspiring millions of our citizens and preparing the country for the final show-down in the People’s Struggle for freedom and democracy.

A lot more is to come in the days and months ahead, and Despot Yoweri Museveni must know that the Ugandan People will not rest until he is squarely defeated in his attempt to illegitimately hold onto power after what was the MOST RIGGED ELECTIONS ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

Never mind what some NRM CADRE JUSTICES say, in such incredible shameless support for the Despot, Ugandan People are not going to allow the Museveni Family apparatus to continue forcefully imposing itself on the country. Ugandans will not allow Museveni to hang around state house for what are purely egoistical and self-fulfilling motivations.

Museveni must understand that this time round Ugandans are not going to play any SOFTLY-SOFTLY GAMES with him.

The liberty, democracy, happiness and ‘Museveni-less’ future they seek is not negotiable.

Ugandans have decided to move on without Museveni, and it shall be so, whether the despot wants it or not.

And, for God and Country, every means permissible by the Constitution of Uganda will be deployed to achieve the desired outcome.

Issued by Dr Vincent Magombe, Secretary FreeUganda Leadership Committee and Press Secretary FU.

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli has sent congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni following his re-election as the President at the election held on February 18th 2016.

H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,

President-Elect of the Republic of Uganda,

KAMPALA.

Your Excellency and Dear Brother,
It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania and indeed on my own behalf, to extend to Your Excellency our heartfelt congratulations on your re-election as the President of the Republic of Uganda. Your re-election at the helm of your country is a true reflection of the confidence that the people of Uganda have in you as well as a testimony of their trust in your exemplary leadership.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate your party, National Resistance Movement for its outstanding victory in the General Elections. As you are well aware, both my party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania have enjoyed brotherly relations with the Ugandan people throughout the years.

While congratulating you on your well deserved re-election, I wish to reaffirm my readiness and determination to continue working with you in further strengthening our relations for the benefit of our two countries and peoples.

Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, East Africa, Regional and International Cooperation

February 24, 2016.

FDC under siege; Dr. Kizza Besigye detained at Naggalama; Police first siege FDC HQ than later RAID it; By my recogning FDC is illegal by NRM-Police-State by now!

While trying to go to the Electoral Commission offices this morning, the Police had different ideas about the plans Dr. Kizza Besigye had, as when he went out of the gates of his home in Kasangati. The Police stopped his car and taken him away.

He is now in Mukono or in Mukono district at Naggalama Police Station detained. As with his house arrest and his ordinary detaining terms is without reason or warrants. This is the Modus Operandi of the IGP. Gen. Kale Kayihura by now, the man who follows orders blindly from his Commander-in-Chief President Museveni; as he uses Public Order Management Act, as it the proper tool to take down and shut-down the opposition in the country. That is what has happen today while Dr. Kizza Besigye was taken from the gates of Kasangati and detained at Naggalama Police Station where they must have named a Cell after him by now.

The Locals in Kasangati because of the steady levels of Police and roadblocks has nicknamed Kasangati “Benghazi” after the war-zone in Libya. It is surely a feeling the locals justified to have as they have more police there, as Besigye must be seen as the worst criminal in the land, by President Museveni; as he knows that he is epitome of what he is not; a man of the people and therefore he has to be contained; even if he hasn’t done anything else then living in the same country as the President.

CP Fred Enaga had his lies to tell the press as ever:
“Besigye’s plan to destabilize the city are foreign funded”. Mr. Police Officer, I hate throw shade on your pay-check, but your budget is donor funded and been for decades; so it’s more likely that the brown jersey your wearing with your name has been paid by a foreign government; you have to have a better argument Mr. Police Officer!

The Police has also been besieged the Electoral Commission headquarters as the Police has such a fear of the presence of the people to search or appeal the result; as the result has already been set and the Police as a NRM outfit will secure their longevity by any means at this point. Also at FDC headquarter of the Najjanankumbi the Police has sieged the offices there as well today.

Later after the sieging of the Police they took it further as the FDC party is officially illegal, totally illegal, that is the indication for the moment as the Police Force raided the offices and rounded up the FDC staff. While even later the Party President Gen. Mugisha Muntu showed up at the gates of the offices and was not allowed by the Police to access the headquarters. As he got picked up and also detained. They went to pick the Declaration Forms, as the Electoral Commission and the Police Force has to clean-up the mess they have done as they have stolen the election; since their sins are visible in the indications of the copies of the Electoral Declaration Forms; that the Government of Uganda by all means don’t want released to the public as it is their venom.

Hon. Ofwono Opondo said on NBS TV today:
“To think your win is valid while win over others from the same election isn’t abuse of Ugandan intelligence”. Well, your insulting people while not really counting the ballots and rigging the elections; while telling the same people pointing it is insulting the Ugandan people; I don’t follow… as the Hon. Opondo the reason why people like me can’t see validity in this election as the too much that has occurred to counter the value of the ballots and the peoples will. Something you should know as the election has happen in a speed and way that should make people shut-up and hide your mind; because you’re a loyal cadre that is eating because of President Museveni, and if it wasn’t for him, you wouldn’t be anybody! Just as his boss Hon. Opondo said this as well: “We don’t care what the international community care thinks”. I am sure you and your boss care if the international community cuts more or suspends direct donor aid, IMF and World Bank suspends projects as the Taxes does not help the Ugandan National Development Program II, is so big that if the government supposed to fulfill the pledges of that one, the Ugandan Government need the international community, so continue not to care about the international community!

As side-note from Kabale District:
“This is it inform the world that on Saturday dawn 4.30AM the Army and Police stormed in Rukiiko hall Kabale District headquarters where tallying of votes was taking place. They forced a one Juma Shesa, the District returning officer to park all the computers as well as available declaration forms; he was taken to Kampala to the EC head quarters. Incidentally , due to the pre-ticked ballot papers in favour of the NRM presidential candidate as well as other NRM parliamentary candidates, numbers could not balance. Up till now the Woman MP results for Kabale District are not yet announced” (FDC, 22.02.2016).

So it’s truly one thing is happening from the authorities in Uganda, that the FDC and the Forum for Democratic Change is the biggest force of criminals as they are hounded detained without warrants, reason or justification other then they are an issue for the legitimacy of President Museveni official 5th Term, sorry the 7th, he can never in my view rewrite history and shave of his first decade in power. Well, this here will continue the oppression and totalitarian regime that is faking it until they hope to make it. On the way they are harassing and oppressing the parties and people who do not kiss the ring of President Museveni. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye statement on the conduct of the 2016 presidential elections (Youtube-Clip)

Dr. Kizza Besigye’s  message from House Arrest in Kasangati in Wakiso on the outskirts of Kampala. Listen to it! As we mourn the results and the way the Electoral Commission has taken the power of the People and given way to the President Museveni yet again. This message from the People’s President is deep and strong. A worthy message from a great man! Peace.

Press Release: U.S. Gov. On Next Week’s Presidential Elections in Uganda (12.02.2016)

As Uganda nears its national elections on February 18, the United States supports the call by many Ugandans, including thousands of youth, for a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process, before, during, and after the voting.

Violence or threats of violence from any group or individual are unacceptable, and those who participate in such acts – regardless of which candidate they support – must be held accountable. We call on all parties to refrain from provocative actions or rhetoric that raise tensions and that seek to divide Ugandans rather than bring them together.

We strongly urge the government and electoral authorities to ensure a level playing field and transparent process, including through fair application of the law, so that all candidates have an equal opportunity to express their views and voters have the opportunity to hear them. We look to the representatives of all parties and their supporters, as well as members of the security forces and the Crime Preventers, to support the peaceful and fair conduct of polls free from intimidation.

Uganda’s progress depends on adherence to democratic principles and processes. The United States stands by the Ugandan people as they undertake this most essential democratic endeavor.