Government seeks advice on fate of Gen Nyakairima

Private Patrick Okot Odoch displays a thumbs-up sign after he was sentenced to 90 years in jail by the General Court Martial sitting in Bombo yesterday. The soldier was found guilty of shooting and killing 10 people near the Bombo army headquarters recently. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA 

By MERCY NALUGO

In Summary

Some MPs on the Parliamentary Appointments Committee say they will not approve the former CDF if he does not resign from the army.

PARLIAMENT

The government has asked for legal advice on the status of former Chief of Defence Forces’ (CDF) recent appointment as Internal Affairs minister, considering he is still a serving officer, the deputy Attorney General (AG) said yesterday.

Speaking to the Daily Monitor on phone, Mr Freddie Ruhindi said a request for advice in respect of Gen Aronda Nyakairima’s situation was put in by the government ahead of Parliament’s vetting exercise. “Our office has been asked to study the laws and advise accordingly and very soon, we shall come up with a position,” said Mr Ruhindi. He was commenting on whether it is legal for Gen Nyakairima to assume another public office before retiring from the army.

Out of the country




 Mr Ruhindi’s boss, Mr Peter Nyombi, could not elaborate saying: “I was out of the country and I cannot make an interpretation on the matter.” Two members of the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, who could not speak on record because they are not authorised to do so, told this writer that the committee will not approve the former CDF’s appointment if he does not leave the army.

Parliament in 2009 set a precedent when it opposed the appointment of State Minister for Defence, Gen Jeje Odongo, who was still in active services.

The MPs on the Parliamentary Appointments Committee insisted that he resigns from the army.
Gen Odongo, however, continued receiving a salary and allowances which the MPs protested until he accepted to retire and was sworn in as minister.

Asked whether Gen Nyakairima has asked to retire, Army spokesperson, Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said he was not aware. “Parliament will guide the Executive on how this will be handled now that he is in a civilian position. Parliament will give us guidance,” Lt Col Ankunda said.

The Appointments Committee, chaired by Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga yesterday was scheduled to pronounce itself on the matter. But by press time it was not possible to establish what had been decided by the committee.