[UAH] Gen Aronda’s appointment is for the good of the nation

By Patrick Nakabale

The appointment of Gen Aronda Nyakairima as minister of Internal Affairs has been a major subject of debate since its announcement.

Some skeptics have held the General's appointment on grounds of regional imbalance (tribalism), while others, basing on legal reasons, say the former Army chief should first be retired from military service. They also draw on the precedent of Gen Jeje Odongo, who was forced to retire before being cleared as Minister [State for Defence]. 

Whatever the issues raised, Gen Aronda's appointment fully resonates with our national interests, and as such, there is no need to await His Excellency's pronouncement on the matter. 

The issue of regional balancing or 'tribalism' as cited by some quarters does not arise in this respect. We also need to understand that the new Army boss, Gen Katumba Wamala, is from the central region. Government should not be looked at as an entity comprising Cabinet, but as an entire system of ministries, departments, state Agencies and/or institutions.

National interests and nation building seen within the constitutional provisions that power belongs to the people of Uganda, civilian authority, peace and security and common good. 

At the time of the constitutional promulgation [in 1995], Uganda's history had been rife with military rule, and thereby usurping the power of the people. Therefore, as a conscious measure, the Constitution then provided that power belongs to the people. 

Case precedents. In 2002, Justice A.F.N Mpagi Bahigeine held: "The Constitution must be interpreted in the context, scene and setting that exists at the time when the interpretation has to be determined and not when it was promulgated, otherwise it will cease to take into account the growth of society which it seeks to regulate and ignore the future implications and impact of the said constructions on future generations."

To add a serving UPDF officer, Gen Kale Kayihura is giving Uganda a service yet police serves civilians.

Let us not attempt to challenge national interests and nation building as the Constitution must be interpreted broadly, liberally, and purposively. Let us not attempt to challenge the President who assumed authority as a result of the constitutional requirement that power belongs to the people, or attempt to challenge Parliament or its Appointments Committee by not upholding constitutional national interests. Let us not attempt to challenge the Judiciary in respect to the constitutional pronunciation cited by Justice Bahigeine. 

Having cited the above, Gen Aronda's ministerial position is for national, regional and international interests as his excellent track record would testify.

It is the duty of every citizen to defend the Constitution. As a serving officer besides the UPDF doctrines, Gen Aronda has always defended the Constitution. Even as minister, he is duty-bound by swearing the Oath of Allegiance as provided in the Constitution. General Aronda is a citizen of Uganda who should not be robbed of his right to serve his country as a citizen irrespective of his occupation or professional background. 

Retirement is not a prerequisite for Gen Aronda's ministerial appointment. I have seen media reports citing Attorney General's interpretation that Article 113 does not prohibit and that Section 38 of the UPDF is not applicable in this case because ministers are appointed. Gen Aronda's ministerial position is not driven by him as an individual, therefore not seeking an elective position but appointed.

General Aronda is a Member of Parliament and a former UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, all government institutions. 

Therefore, he is experienced, independent-minded, mature, reasonable, not a person of scandals, his personal character is reputable. The docket of Internal Affairs not being different from security and defence, General Aronda brings in efficiency, quality and harmonious co-existence of Ugandans.

Besides that, before 2005, serving soldiers have ever been ministers, the likes of Major General (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, Major General (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi, Col (Rtd) Amanya Mushega, Col (Rtd)Tom Butiime, Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali, Col (Rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye and nothing went wrong with them serving army and in public offices. Gen Jeje Odongo's precedent wasn't for all generations.

For God and My Country!

Mr Nakabale is the Youth MP, Central region and general secretary, NRM parliamentary caucus

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*A positive mind is a courageous mind, without doubts and fears, using the experience and wisdom to give the best of him/herself.

 

 We must dare invent the future!
The only way of limiting the usurpation of power by
 individuals, the military or otherwise, is to put the people in charge  - Capt. Thomas. Sankara {RIP} '1949-1987

 *"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent

revolution inevitable"**…  *J.F Kennedy

 

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