Army promotions not based on tribe, says Museveni

 

President Yoweri Museveni with Maj. Gen. Wilson Mbadi and Mrs. Mbadi during thanks giving prayers for his promotion and appointment as Joint Chief of Staff of UPDF at Kasese Boma Grounds on November 9, 2013.  

Promotions in the army are not based on tribe but instead on education, performance and professionalism, President Yoweri Museveni said on Saturday.

“The army is not a tribal promotion movement. So those requesting me to promote their tribesmen and women I advise them to work hard,” he said.

He was speaking at a cross-religious thanks-giving ceremony in honour of Maj Gen Wilson Bwambale Mbadi, who was recently promoted to his current rank and appointed army Joint Chief of Staff.

The function was also held to appreciate government for the achievements the district has registered and several appointments to high government positions since 1986 when the NRM came to power.

At some point, a heavy downpour disrupted the event which was organised by Kasese district and held at Nyakasanga Playground in Kasese Municipality.

President Museveni emphasized that the UPDF was built on the principles of democracy and professionalism. He went on to explain that each district in the country has been allocated a quota system of recruitment and that promotions are done on merit.

Museveni was responding to an appeal by the Rwenzururu Prime Minister, Noah Nzaghale to promote more sons and daughters from the Rwenzori region.

“We promoted Mbadi because of his exemplary performance and education. He went to the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) where he emerged one of the best trainees.”

The president cautioned Ugandans against tribalism, saying they need one another’s for social-economic development.

Placing more emphasis on this, he made a pointed reference, saying that as a milk producer, he depends on non-Banyakole in Kampala to buy his milk.

He noted that the army system operates in such a manner that those who cannot fit into it are thrown out. “It is like a winnow where the rejects are blown away.”