The leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Gen Mugisha Muntu has said that there is need to rethink the structuring of the army in order to complete the transition to a professionalized force under the command of civilian leadership.
Muntu who served as army commander from 1989 to 1998 made the remarks during an “Ask Muntu” session that took place online where he was asked why he declined a ministerial appointment and instead chose to retire after his time as army commander.
In his response, Muntu said, there were a number of reasons including political reasons, but largely, it was a value-based decision adding that from both a practical and conceptual point of view, there was no reason to remain in the forces.
He explained that having served as army commander, any position he would take after that would actually be a step down.
He said he had grown increasingly skeptical of President Museveni’s commitment to the ideals they fought for but more than that, he was intent on ensuring he did not make the mistakes he was calling him out for.
He explained that the UPDF has many well trained and disciplined officers yet the reality remains that it can only be as disciplined as its civilian leadership.
He stated that the task of building the institutionalized army and indeed country desired by all falls on all citizens of good will both within the forces and among civilians.
