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KABALE - The High Command of the Uganda Peoples
Defence Forces has cleared Lt. Gen. Museveni to quit the army.
"I have
requested the army High Command to allow me concentrate on making the
foundation of our Movement party, and good enough they have allowed me,"
Museveni said yesterday in Kabale.
"I am no
longer constrained by the army laws," Museveni announced amid applause.
Members of the armed forces are now not allowed to participate in partisan
politics.
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| Lt. Gen. Museveni is shedding his military pips for
the politician's civilian dress (File
photo). |
Museveni was speaking
at the wedding ceremony of Mr Humphrey Nzei, the son of businessman Amos
Nzei.
The older
Nzei owns Hotloaf Bakery and has significant interests in Crown Beverages,
bottlers of Pepsi Cola.
The function
took place at the White Horse Regency Hotel in Kabale. Museveni, who is
the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, wrote to the Army Promotions
and Commissions Board in October seeking permission to retire.
Army
Commander Maj. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima heads the Board. At the wedding,
Museveni seized the opportunity to attack opposition political parties
that have refused to register.
He wondered
what the Uganda Peoples Congress and the Democratic Party were waiting
for. He said the National Resistance Movement Organisation (NRM-O), the
party Museveni is going to head, is already registered.
Turning to
marital matters, the President advised the youth to get married.
He
said so many young people are dying of HIV/Aids because of colonial
confusion and lack of guidance.
"I managed to
marry in my early days and this helped me in [the] early '80s during the
bush struggle because I had a steady family," he said. The President is
married to Janet Kataha and they have four children.
Museveni also
urged Ugandans to target external markets and fight poverty.
Ministers
Ruhakana Rugunda (Internal Affaisr), Amama Mbabazi (Defence) and Nsaba
Buturo (Information) attended the wedding.
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