Kampala — THE trial of Maj. Gen James Kazini resumed yesterday with the former army commander defending himself against allegations that he defied orders of President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Museveni's directive of March 2, 2002 was reportedly against the transfer of UPDF soldiers.

Kazini yesterday gave his testimony in a closed session at the General Court Martial in Kampala chaired by Lt. Gen. Ivan Koreta.

Kazini's lawyer, Kenneth Kakuru, said his client gave his testimony on oath. This means that Kazini will be cross-examined by the prosecution when he concludes his defence.

Sources said Kazini testified that he used to get many contradicting orders.

Kazini reportedly told the panel that at the time he is reported to have committed the offence, there was an order barring him from transferring soldiers and yet there was another instructing him to have some of the army's battalions at 'full strengths'.

Kazini reportedly said there was no way one could fulfill the latter without transferring soldiers from other units.

The source added that Kazini said implementing one of the orders meant that he would have to defy the other order.

Kazini also added that in some instances, he was required to create new units which could only happen with the transfer of soldiers from other units.

Kazini is facing a string of other charges, including causing financial loss to the Government and creating ghost soldiers.

On March 27, 2008, Kazini was convicted of causing financial loss of over sh 61m to the Government and sentenced to three years imprisonment. He was briefly jailed in Luzira Prison before he appealed against his sentence.

The Constitutional Court is yet to hear his appeal and make a ruling on the decision by the General Court Martial.