Kampala — FORMER army commander Maj. Gen. Jeje Odongo has retired from the army to join politics.

Odongo was also sworn in as state minister for defence yesterday after his retirement was accepted by President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief.

Although Museveni appointed Odongo as a minster last year, the defence and internal affairs committee refused to approve him on the grounds that he was still a serving officer. The committee also threatened not to pass his ministry's budget unless the issue was resolved.

Sources said they also wanted to freeze his salary, saying he was holding the position illegally since he had not been sworn in.

Someone becomes an MP through an election or on appointment as a minister. If appointed, the person must swear in as an ex-officio member to qualify to sit in the chambers as an MP or as a minister.

Accordingly, yesterday, Jeje Odongo entered the chambers for the first time since his appointment in February.

Accompanying him were several ministers and army representatives, as well as opposition MPs from Teso.

After the oath, the smiling Odongo shook hands with all the ministers on the front bench, then sat on the periphery, next to internal affairs state minister Matia Kasaija.

Speaking to The New Vision afterwards, Odongo said he was happy that he had reached the army's retirement age and that "others can take over."

"I am proud of what I have done for the country while serving as an army officer. I I can't stay for ever. I have come of age and I am happy to retire," he said.

Asked about being forced to retire, Odongo said: "Forced? No. If we abide by the Constitution, we do what should be done."

He added: "As a former army officer, I bring experience, continuity and stability in the ministry."

Parliament Speaker Edward Ssekandi advised Odongo to serve the ruling NRMâ-àparty and the opposition without bias.

Premier Apolo Nsibambi thanked Odongo for listening to the MPs' demand for him to quit the army.

MP Alice Alaso thanked the President for appointing Odongo, describing it as the Government's attempt to address "regional imbalance".

She, however, added that the army had become partisan and should be removed from Parliament.

Speaking to The New Vision shortly after being discharged yesterday, Odongo said his interest to contest for a parliamentary seat in Amuria district still stands. He will face incumbent Musa Ecweru, the state minister for disaster preparedness.

Odongo once held the seat after winning it in 1996, but resigned in 1998 when Museveni named him army boss.

Asked if he planned to "recapture" the seat in next year's elections, Odongo said: "My interests are still there."

Last year, Ecweru accused Odongo of using an army helicopter to advance his political ambitions.

Odongo flew to Amuria to launch a Christmas football competition. However, he said he was on duty.

Asked if he was ready for the former army chief, Ecweru said: "I have a contract with the people of Amuria. Let them decide."