Soldier who Harassed Traffic Officer Arrested, says Gen Elwelu

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) representative, Gen Peter Elwelu, has said the incident involving the military officer grabbing a traffic police officer near Mukwano Mall in Kampala on Monday is regrettable.

Hon. Gen Elwelu told the house on Wednesday that the soldier who was captured harassing a traffic police officer has been arrested and will face court.

“I sincerely apologize to the police and all Ugandans. It is unacceptable and unforgivable. The soldier has been arrested and is facing court,” Gen Elwelu said.

Kalungu County West MP Hon Joseph Ssewungu said the military is acting with impunity and needs to be controlled.

“The military police is supposed to discipline the army but what they are doing now is unacceptable,” he told plenary.

He said that Vehicles with Army number plates are causing mayhem on the roads because they don’t respect and observe traffic rules.

“I want to thank Gen Elwelu but I want to send a question to you: you are the Deputy CDF but can you arrest Gen Muhoozi (Kainerugaba) who is masquerading around campaigning yet he is still a serving soldier?”

The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, also condemned the actions of the military officers who harassed a traffic policeman on duty.

In his communication, the Deputy Speaker said that this issue will be brought to the attention of the commander-in-chief.

“We are going to bring this to the attention of the commander in chief. If this happens amongst armed forces, what would happen to us civilians?” he wondered.

Earlier, army spokesperson Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, said investigations to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident have commenced and the findings will guide their next course of action.

“The actions of this soldier are reprehensible and are not representative of UPDF as an institution that is known for its discipline and being a people’s army,” he said.