Rwamirama to critics: Leave army ranks for us and do what you know

Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs Lt. Col. Bright Rwamirama has advised Ugandans complaining about the army ranking system to do what they know better and leave what doesn’t concern them.

Last week Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) promoted several high ranking officers, including first son, then Maj. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

He was promoted to Lieutenant General.

Others promoted include Ivan Koreta and Joram Mugume who became full four-star generals, as well as nine other Major Generals promoted to Lieutenant Generals. Also18 officers became Major Generals, 38 were promoted to Brigadier while 92 were promoted to Colonel.

However, the rapid rise of Gen. Muhoozi led to questions, especially from opposition politicians on how the ranking system within the army is carried out.

However on Tuesday, retired Col. Rwamirama asked those not satisfied with the way the army promotes some officers to ‘come and get information.’

“I have had a lot of debates about these promotions in the public and also on some media channels. However, let me tell you this; ‘leave army practices for the army’,” Col. Rwamirama told Watchdog on the sidelines of a pipping ceremony of the newly promoted army officers at Ministry Defence headquarters, Mbuya Hill.

“There are so many things we follow which we don’t speak about. I would advise you to leave what you don’t understand.”

According to Col. Rwamirama promotion in UPDF does not and has never depended on the perceptions of – tribe or relationships but depends on the capacity and discipline at work.

“In army, just like any other institutions, we consider the ability to deliver, work relationship with your colleagues and so on. Some officers have been promoted because of the assignments they have been sent too, others have finished courses which necessitate them to get promoted,” added Rwamirama.

He also added that people with such primitive attitudes make the current UPDF leadership look too incompetent yet the Commander in Chief, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has professionalized the force.

UPDF spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire, said some of the promoted officers were recommended by their unit commanders while others were promoted pending their retirement.