Sejusa applies to retire from UPDF

Kampala. Former coordinator of Intelligence Agencies David Sejusa has applied to retire from the army. Gen Sejusa told this paper at the weekend that he had instructed his lawyers to write to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Commissions and Promotions Board, which considers promotions and retirement of officers and men.
The general, who returned to the country two weeks ago from a 20-month exile in London, says he wants to join active politics.
“I want to retire from the army and I have already directed my lawyers to write to the army informing them of my wish to leave that institution,” Gen Sejusa said.
His lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuzi acknowledged being instructed by his client to set in motion his eventual retirement from the army but declined to divulge details of what progress he had made.
“The process is on. We are working on it (application) but there are some details which I will not discuss,” Mr Rwakafuzi stated.
The army spokesperson, Lt Col Paddy Ankunda, said he was not yet aware of Gen Sejusa’s application.
He, however, advised Gen Sejusa to direct his application to the UPDF Commissions Board, the body that approves applications of soldiers who want to retire. “Let him submit to the Commissions Board and he shall be notified of the outcome within 90 days,” Lt Col Ankunda said.
The Commissions Board, formed under the UPDF Act 2005, is chaired by the Chief of Defence Forces and is responsible for retirement and promotion of army officers.
Lt Col Ankunda in an article published by the government-owned New Vision newspaper, warned Gen Sejusa to desist from making partisan statements. “Gen Sejusa is here at the mercy of the State. He should not break the law,” Lt Col Ankunda stated. The government spokesperson, Mr Ofwono Opondo, claimed after Gen Sejusa’s return that the General’s homecoming was “negotiated and arranged by the State”.
This raised questions among members of the Opposition whether Gen Sejusa’s claims while in exile that he would fight the regime he served ardently for having derailed from principles of good governance, were genuine. Some leaders of the Opposition announced last week they will shun the general.
But Gen Sejusa repeated his vow to fight what he termed as bad leadership during his homecoming party at his residence in Naguru, a Kampala suburb. Lt Col Ankunda’s caution was a direct response to these latest statements.
Gen Sejusa stated: “I started opposing (President) Museveni long before some people who accuse me of double dealing started political activity. I brought Paul Ssemogerere for nomination and as an army officer; I could have been court martialled. It’s also me, Dr Kizza Besigye and Late Col Sserwanga Lwanga who fought for multi-party politics in this country,” Gen Sejusa told guests at his home last week.

The Retirement process
1.An officer or militant writes to UPDF commissions Board, stating reasons for retirement or resignation. The reason can be age, health condition or interest to join partisan politics.
2.The board chaired by Chief of Defence Forces writes back to the officer or militant within 90 days to communicate approval or refusal to the application.
3.Even after retirement, the officer or militant remains a member of the Reserve Force.

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