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Dissident general in Uganda charged faces court-martial Dissident general in Uganda charged, faces court-martial
(about 1 hour later)
KAMPALA, Uganda — A military general who criticized Uganda’s longtime president has been charged in a court-martial and remanded to jail. KAMPALA, Uganda — A military general who criticized Uganda’s longtime president was charged in a court-martial and remanded to jail, but his supporters say he is the victim of state persecution.
Gen. David Sejusa was charged Tuesday with being absent without leave, participating in political activities and insubordination.Gen. David Sejusa was charged Tuesday with being absent without leave, participating in political activities and insubordination.
A lawyer for Sejusa, David Mushabe, described Sejusa as “a prisoner of conscience” who has been targeted for criticizing President Yoweri Museveni as a dictator. A lawyer for Sejusa, David Mushabe, described Sejusa as “a prisoner of conscience” who has been targeted for calling President Yoweri Museveni a dictator.
Sejusa’s problems started in 2013, when he wrote a letter to the domestic spy chief urging him to investigate allegations of a plot to kill high-ranking government officials seen as being opposed to the political rise of Museveni’s son, Brig. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.Sejusa’s problems started in 2013, when he wrote a letter to the domestic spy chief urging him to investigate allegations of a plot to kill high-ranking government officials seen as being opposed to the political rise of Museveni’s son, Brig. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Facing likely arrest, Sejusa, who, was traveling in Europe at the time, sought asylum in London. He quietly returned home in Dec. 2014. Kainerugaba is the commander of Uganda’s special forces, a position that puts him in charge of his father’s security. Many Ugandans believe Kainerugaba is being groomed to succeed his father, despite the president’s denial.
Facing likely arrest, Sejusa, who was traveling in Europe when details of his letter leaked, sought asylum in London. He quietly returned home in Dec. 2014.
Sejusa’s supporters say he was arrested ahead of presidential elections this month because the government is worried he will mobilize Ugandans to protest in the event presidential elections are rigged.
“General Sejusa is fully aware that it will be the people of Uganda who will free him from bondage,” Free Uganda, a pro-democracy group, said.
Museveni, who took power by force in 1986 with rebel commanders like Sejusa at his side, is increasingly accused of behaving like a dictator.
In elections on Feb. 18, Museveni faces four-time presidential challenger Kizza Besigye and former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, a former ally who now says Museveni must retire after ruling for three decades.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.