UGANDA: Why Museveni should give his MPs military training and arms

WHY MUSEVENI SHOULD GIVE HIS MPs MILITARY TRAINING AND ARMS

Museveni has been pushing for an agenda to militarize every sector of Ugandan society. His latest catch is his rubber stamp parliament. Around late last year, he deployed his armed soldiers (See photo) who laid siege to parliament with some entering the floor of parliament and beating up MPs who were opposing his Life Presidency Bill.

Following the assassination of one of the MPs last month by 'sharp Shooters', some MPs complained that they were living in fear over personal security. They went further to claim that their police guards were deserting them. It was also established that by guarding MPs the police guards were putting their lives in line of fire; thus their reluctance. These complaints provided Museveni with an opportunity to not only blackmail but to take the MPs hostage. He hastily ordered for the army to provide armed body guards for the MPs. A week later he ordered the Minister of Finance to quickly procure escort pick-up vehicles with open carriage beds for the MPs's "sharpshooters".

Museveni's rubber stamp parliament has 452 MPs and after the ongoing by-elections, the figure may rise to 460 MPs. Government does not buy reconditioned vehicles thus new brand pick-ups will cost the tax payer about 600b shillings. These pick-up vehicles will be carrying an average of six soldiers including the driver. There is need to also guard the MPs' residence, farm, business premises, parents, wife and children. The driver must also be a soldier who is well versed with defensive driving and general conduct in the event of falling into an ambush or coming under fire. The soldier bodyguards need bullet proof jackets, helmets, tents and other protective gear. They will need special allowances, meals, accommodation, medical, and communication gadgets. The pick-up vehicles will need fuel and general maintenance.

In General, the army will need to raise over 2,000 soldiers for this purpose. Uganda media has already said that 2700 soldiers will be needed. This is the equivalence of 6 battalions which is one and a half brigade. While the procurement of pick-ups will be a capital expenditure, the recurrent expenditure on the aforementioned logistical backup is unsustainable. If such an expenditure was to be directed into procurement of ambulances or police patrol cars for the MPs' constituencies, it would be beneficial to the taxpayer. If granting Museveni a life presidency was in public interest, why should the MPs seek to hide under the boots of the men in uniform? Why don't they just reconcile with Ugandans!!!

On the other hand, it would be cheaper and sustainable if these MPs are given military training and arms to take care of their personal security. Uganda has soldiers in Somalia who are under the threat of Al Shabab militants.  Should UPDF in Somalia also be given bodyguards!!! But again, the slain AIGP Kaweesi, Col. Abiriga, Maj. Kigundu had been militarily trained and guarded by well equipped "sharpshooters" but....

Next, thing we know, these MPs will demand to attend the prestigious British military Academy at Sandhaust. Otherwise, for Museveni, the militarisation scheme fits well into his designs. The MPs are falling for it fully.

INFORMATION IS POWER AND THE PROBLEM OF UGANDA IS MUSEVENISM.