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Uganda: Senior Army Officers Warned Against Using Bodabodas
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The Monitor (Kampala)
8 May 2008
Posted to the web 8 May 2008
Risdel Kasaira & Martin Ssebuyira
Bombo
The Commander of the Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala, yesterday had a new directive for senior army officers- to stop traveling cheap using bodabodas (motorcycles).
The strange directive, which applies to officers at or above the rank of major, was delivered on Tuesday at Bombo Army Infantry Headquarters during the piping ceremony of 65 newly-promoted UPDF officers.
Gen. Katumba says senior officers who move using this cheap mode of transport undermine the integrity and tarnish the image of the institution. "For a lieutenant (junior officer), it is okay to move on a bodaboda, but a senior officer? No, it is not acceptable because it tarnishes our image. We shall not allow this," he said.
The bodaboda motorcycles usually come to the rescue of travellers in a rush, especially in the city centre, as they easily maneuver heavy traffic jams. But the General said it's an embarrassment to see a senior officer using this "contemptible" system of transport in the city center.
Lt. Gen. Katumba told the decorated officers that it is embarrassing for an officer at the rank of lieutenant colonel to sit on a bodaboda.
A recently retired Colonel Michael Mbuga was a frequent user of boda bodas. The popular officer, commonly called 'Kojja' (uncle) by men and officers, regularly rode on bodaboda with his red collar (insignia for top officers).
Although it carries no force of the law, Gen. Katumba's directive means senior army officers have no alternative but to use own vehicles or travel in taxis.
However, two majors who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to talk to the press, said the army leadership should first improve their remuneration before making such statements. "For colonels, it is okay, they can afford to buy vehicles but does that mean all majors can? They should first pay us well if they fear that bodabodas will tarnish our image," he said.
The Defence and Army Spokesperson, Maj. Paddy Ankunda, said a major in the UPDF earns a monthly salary of about Shs600, 000, excluding allowances.
So, is this money enough to cater for an officer who has a family to save and buy a vehicle? The major strongly disagrees. "No. we earn little given the African situation where you have extended families. I think using a bodaboda when you are not putting on uniform is okay, who will know you are a soldier?"
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Gen. Katumba advised the officers to save in preparation for retirement. "If you have been promoted, start saving that little increment in your salary," he said.
During the ceremony, Lt. Col Ezra Kiyombo was promoted to colonel while 21 majors were elevated to lieutenant colonel. Those promoted to the rank of major from captain were 14, lieutenant to captain 24 and one acting lieutenant was confirmed. A bulk of the officers promoted were from the Chieftaincy of Personnel and Administration (CPA), the office responsible for promotions. Maj. Ankunda said promotion in the army is done fairly and systematically.
"There are qualities we look at before one is promoted. Things like hard work and performance are prerequisites," he said. Other officers promoted were from the Air force, Infantry and mechanised units.
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