The Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has called upon Ugandan youths especially those that support the current government to resist the intimidation by the opposition, especially in urban areas.
Gen Kainerugaba, who handed over the office of the Commander Land Forces on Monday thanked different groups that have countered the opposition including Team Chairman, Muhoozi Army, Avengers, Revolutionary Guards and the Original Muhoozi Army among others.
The former CLF noted that now that he has some free time after handing over office, he will dedicate more time to interacting with the youth. He promised to reveal a plan on how he will work with them.
Regarding the different groups mentioned above, Gen MK said he will use the army style to classify them based on what they can do. He, therefore, noted that ‘Team Chairman’ is the commando unit because of the enthusiasm, energy and passion. Team Chairman is led by Michael Nuwagira Toyota.
He urged the rest of the groups which he equally praised for neutralizing opposition blackmail and intimidation to do more for the betterment of the country and urged all Ugandans to support them.
The four-star General was speaking at a dinner organized to celebrate his promotion at Skyz Hotel in Naguru. The General amused his hosts when he said he did not know about many places in Kampala. “I am like a stranger in this city,” he said, urging Ugandans to take him on a tour of Kampala. He said his whole life has been about military training, and operations in the barracks and jungles.
The dinner was attended by top UPDF Generals including the new CLF Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, the Reserve Forces Commander Lt Gen Charles Otema, and UPDF Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda among others.
Gen Kainerugaba, who was in the company of his wife, Charlotte, justified his reason for referring to the soldiers as ‘my soldiers’.
He explained that a commander in the army plays the role of a father in a family and therefore the commander must always take responsibility for his soldiers.
Meanwhile, Gen Kainerugaba was appalled by Ugandans calling for a return to colonialism, wondering how anyone can have such a thought. Although he didn’t mention names, Gen MK said he was aware of people saying that the colonialists were better than the current government.
He nevertheless expressed happiness for spending the day with his people, noting that it was for that reason that he had twice joined his supporters to dance, at Bombo where his supporters gathered to congratulate him and at the dinner.
The new CLF Lt Gen Muhanga congratulated Gen MK and thanked him for his remarkable contribution to the Land Force despite his short tour of duty.
Lt Gen Muhanga commended Gen MK for his passion for the army, noting that he first interacted with the new four-star General during the time Kampala was rocked by incessant bombings by rebel groups, which they partnered to defeat.
On his part, Gen Otema congratulated Gen MK and thanked him for his contribution particularly in the defeat of LRA rebels in northern Uganda. Lt Gen Otema said that when Kony fled Uganda, he sent a bigger portion of rebels to torment the people of northern Uganda. The reserve forces commander said it was Gen MK’s efforts and coordination that helped to decimate the rebel group.
Gen Otema noted that he is a straightforward commander who supports the good and opposes the bad, adding that he does not mince his words.
“If I see a party doing good things like the NRM, I support it,” Gen Otema said.
The dinner was also attended by several members of parliament, members of the business community, musicians, and the clergy.
