The army is non-partisan — UPDF disowns Hon. Anite’s allegations

Uganda People’s Defence Forces have distanced themselves from the comments uttered by Junior Investments Minister Evelyn Anite, who purported Thursday morning that the army’s services would be employed to deal with opponents of the controversial Presidential Age Limit Bill.

Anite, while speaking at a press conference on Thursday at Parliament, implied that the UPDF would come out to defend NRM politicians supporting the Bill, who she said are currently being threatened by its opponents.

“You cannot intimidate a ruling party. For them they are looking for support, but we are not. We are the party in government; we have the support of the ‘magye’ (military)”, she stated.

But the UPDF came out yesterday evening to clarify that they are not up to this task.

The army spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire told reporters that the UPDF is able to speak for itself.

“The UPDF has established structures and 10 Members of Parliament through whom it can make its views known when necessary,” Karemire said, adding that they intend to remain apolitical in regard to the contentious amendment bill which is expected to be tabled next week.

“UPDF shall always remain nonpartisan as per article 208 (2) of the Constitution,” he said.