The commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Air Force (UPDAF) Lt Gen Charles Okidi has come under fire from netizens after he appeared in a video that has since gone viral on social media while campaigning for President Yoweri Museveni and abusing Bobi wine and his son in the process.
In the video allegedly shot in Abim district, Lt Gen Okidi who is supposed to be nonpartisan, is seen displaying the National Unity Platforms’ (JNUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi’s son, Solomon Kampala’s Photos with his white girlfriend, as he tells the small crowd how he is enjoying life outside Uganda while his father causes trouble back home.
The verbal attack on Bobi Wines’ eldest son Solomon Kampala and the NUP principal Bobi Wine whom Okidi says allegedly associates with homosexuals after he shows him attending an international conference among other things has left netizens shocked by the Airforce commanders actions who is by law supposed to non partisan.
According to one netizen, Gideon Nova Kwikiriza, Gen Okidi’s actions, a high ranking officer in Uganda’s military goes a long way to show erosion of the military’s non-partisan character in Uganda’s current politics.
“He shows locals photos of Bobi’s son, Solomon, insinuating that the young man is living comfortably abroad while his father “causes trouble” back home.
He then displays another photo of Bobi at what appears to be an international conference, alleging that he is “with homosexuals.” This is deeply disappointing and unbecoming of a high-ranking military officer.
“Where does he even get the time or the audacity to print such photos for propaganda? How can a whole Army General stoop this low?
This incident reflects the unfortunate erosion of the military’s non-partisan character, something every Ugandan should be concerned about. It’s not just about Bobi Wine, it’s about the integrity of our national institutions and the rule of law” he wrote.
Bobi Wine has since also criticized Lt Gen Okidi for openly choosing a political side which contradicts the army’s code of conduct and including children in his campaign for Museveni.
“The jokes continue to write themselves! Now this is Lt. Gen. Okidi Charles, Commander of the Military’s airforce, openly spreading falsehoods about our presidential candidature and asking people not to vote for us. He is not even ashamed to go as far as involving our innocent, young children in his political hit job!” Bobi said.
Bobi wine added, “This is a serving military officer whom the Constitution expressly commands to be non-partisan, but he is openly taking sides with absolute impunity! Dear citizens, it is time to act!”.
Some netizens have since warned Gen Okidi to take back his words or least they also attack his family.
Lt Gen Okidi isn’t the first officer to come under scrutiny for campaign for President Museveni and NRM in the campaigns.
Recently, the Masaka Deputy Regional Police Commander (RPC) SSP Annabella Nyiramahoro, came under scrutiny after openly campaigning for NRM candidates, contrary to the law that regulates the Uganda Police uniform she wears.
