Museveni ceding power to younger generation, says MP
Gen Julius Oketta addresses residents of Amuru who turned up for a cadre course in Pabbo Sub-county on Monday. PHOTO BY CISSY MAKUMBI
AMURU- A Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ (UPDF) representative in Parliament, Maj Gen Julius Oketta, has said President Museveni is making a smooth transition of leadership to the young generation.
Speaking to at least 500 cadres at Pabbo Secondary School in Pabbo Sub-county in Amuru District on Monday, Maj Gen Oketta said Mr Museveni will not stay in power forever.
“President is making a smooth leadership transition. He does not want to leave us in anarchy. He will not stay forever (in power),” he said.
While he did not refer to former premier Amama Mbabazi’s candidature directly, Maj Gen Oketta added that as Mr Museveni is trying to prepare the young generation for leadership, “another old one has emerged to replace him”.
“This is not correct and that is what President Museveni is not agreeing with. We are seeing young blood like Richard Todwong (NRM deputy secretary general), Justine Kasule Lumumba (NRM secretary general) being brought on board,” Maj Gen Oketta said.
He said the youth would decide who is fit to take over the presidency.
Mr John Oyambi, the coordinator for cadre training in the Office of the Prime Minister, said the trainees would get civic education and patriotism lessons in the two-week programme.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Katumba Wamala, early this month ordered all serving officers and men of the UPDF not to meddle in political campaigns for the 2016 general election. Gen Katumba asked all UPDF soldiers to strictly adhere to the existing laws governing the army.
“The CDF has cautioned the officers not to dare engage in politics and anybody who breaks the law will be dealt with,” said the UPDF spokesperson, Lt Col Paddy Ankunda.
