Opposition shuns Gen Sejusa’s homecoming party

Opposition leaders have resolved not to be part of Gen David Sejusa’s political plans until he clearly explains circumstances under which he returned to the country.
Gen Sejusa had invited the opposition leaders to his welcome party from Ssembabule to his home in Naguru, Kampala on Tuesday but the opposition leaders turned down the invitation.
Led by Justice Forum President Asuman Basalirwa, the leaders say Sejusa remains subject to controversy with reports indicating that his return was managed by the state.
Mr Basalirwa says they cannot also engage with Sejusa since he is still a serving officer of the UPDF who is barred from participating in partisan politics.
Gen Sejusa who had fled to the UK after he was accused of treason returned to the country last week under unclear circumstances, amid claims that he had negotiated a deal with government to facilitate his return, which government has often denied.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, also said he would skip Gen Sejusa’s home-coming party because he was “not yet clear” about the General’s intentions.
The manner of Gen Sejusa’s return from exile and the yet-to-be-clear circumstances under which he was allowed back into the country, made a number of Opposition politicians suspicious about his genuineness as an opposition figure.
On being welcomed by Internal Security Organisation director general Ronnie Balya upon his return from exile, the general said it was a diversionary tactic that Museveni “took advantage of to spin” and faulted the Opposition for failing to seize the opportunity at the right time and chickening out.
“I spoke to some Opposition leaders, told them to join me at the airport but they feared. Museveni being the shrewd man, he seized the moment and sent his officers. Balya is an arresting officer who commands ISO, he is not a protocol person so to think it was red carpet for me really?” he said, taking a pause before adding, “I am a four star general, a powerful one, these are just disciplined officers who came to carry my bags but I told them your government is legal but it is evil and we must remove it.” He claimed he turned down the ISO boss’ security offer, saying he mistrusts “the evil government he serves.”