Gen Sejusa rants at Free Besigye activists, calls them ‘Ignorant Keyboard Warriors’

Kampala, (UG):- Uganda’s former army chief, Gen (Rtd) David Sejusa has downplayed the ongoing “Free Dr Besigye” campaign, labelling it an act of ignorance and indiscipline. Sejusa, who recently retired from the army warned that mishandling the issue could lead the country into chaos.

In a series of tweets posted via his official X handle, Sejusa, who broke away from President Yoweri Museveni in 2013 but later reconciled, published an opinion piece titled “THE BESIGYE POLITICAL QUAGMIRE: All Getting Entangled Like in a Mare’s Nest.”

In the piece, the former coordinator of UPDF intelligence services criticized the Free Besigye activists for failing to understand Uganda’s current political landscape and for using tactics that isolate potential supporters. He described the campaign as an illusion, confusion, and a hoax.

“When there were celebrations after the Supreme Court judgment, I warned that the battle was far from over. I warned that trashing army courts (GCM) was a diversion (check posts). I warned then, as I do now, that this fight is beyond law, courts, judges, and even rights. Beneath all the high-sounding words of Freedom, Rights, etc., lies a FIGHT FOR POLITICAL POWER! That’s what makes this fight lethal, even existential for some. This fight cannot be won by posting coffins or photos of Besigye!” Gen Sejusa posted.

The retired UPDF general emphasized the complexity and danger of the situation, particularly because it seeks to restructure the military, an institution that was built with blood. According to him, any attempts to restructure the military must be done by consensus, not recklessly.

“The current contestation goes beyond legalities; it’s about politics, power! This is a fundamental fight that few seem capable of comprehending,” he said.

Gen. Sejusa also criticized the so-called “keyboard warriors” involved in the campaign, suggesting their insults and blackmail would not win the political struggle. He stressed that political battles, whether for freedom, rights, or survival, ultimately come down to numbers, ideas, and conviction.

“Insults and blackmail don’t win wars; numbers, ideas, and conviction do! The approach of ‘YOU MUST JOIN US, OR YOU ARE DAMNED’ is childish and stupid. It alienates people who might otherwise support the cause, leaving you with only a narrow base,” he remarked.

He went on to clarify that people don’t have to love or be friends with Besigye to join the struggle. In fact, the majority of people involved owe him nothing and have their own personal struggles. He urged activists to stop being presumptuous and arrogant, as this only serves to alienate potential supporters.

“It is the people you alienate who form the critical mass needed for any real change. Without them, you’re just clowning!” he added.

Gen. Sejusa also addressed the politicization of Besigye’s health, warning against tying his medical care to partisan political goals. He expressed concern that such actions could jeopardize Besigye’s life. He advised that the focus should be on taking Besigye before a competent court to secure bail and ensure he receives proper medical attention.

“Don’t tie getting him medical care with overthrowing Museveni’s government. That’s muddle-headedness and tactical ignorance. If the state has a case against Besigye, they will not release him as you demand. Besigye isn’t seeking forgiveness or surrender; he wants to be taken to court to prove his innocence,” Sejusa said.

He concluded by stating that the current “Free Besigye” rhetoric is misplaced. Instead, he urged activists to focus on getting Besigye a fair trial and medical care, rather than engaging in unproductive demonstrations that lead nowhere.

“Take Besigye before a competent court (High Court) to get bail and let him receive medical care,” he emphasized, noting that similar actions did not help Ssegirinya.