Henry Tumukunde

Last updated

Lieutenant General

Henry Tumukunde
Born (1959-02-28) 28 February 1959 (age 64) [1]
Education
Occupation(s)Military Officer
Politician
Lawyer
Years active1981 to present

Henry Tumukunde is a politician and retired senior military officer of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). [2] He ran as an independent for president in the 2021 Ugandan general election.

Contents

He was the Minister of National Security in the Cabinet of Uganda, appointed to that position on 6 June 2016. [3] On 4 March 2018, he was relieved of his duties in an unexpected cabinet reshuffle. [4]

He is also an advocate of the High Court of Uganda. He has served as the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Director of Planning, Chief of Personnel and Administration, Chief of Military Intelligence as well as serving as the commanding officer of the UPDF Fourth Division, based in Gulu in the Northern Region of Uganda. He has also previously served as the director general of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO). Tumukunde was also a Member of Parliament representing the Army in the Parliament of Uganda between 1995 and 2005. [5]

Background and education

He was born on 28 February 1959 in Rukungiri District in the Western Region of Uganda. He attended Bishop Stuart College Demonstration School in Mbarara for his primary education and Kigezi College Butobere (Siniya) and Kibuli Secondary School for his O-Level and A-Level education, respectively. Tumukunde graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1981. He obtained a Diploma in Legal Practice awarded by the Law Development Centre in 2010. He also holds an Executive Masters in Oil and Gas Management, awarded by the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies of Geneva in 2013. [1] [6]

Joining the NRA Guerrillas

During his time at Makerere University, Tumukunde was involved in anti-government politics, which subsequently led to his joining of then rebels, the National Resistance Army, led by current Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. Tumukunde was hounded by the government security services during his last year at the university and on completion, decided to join the Ugandan Bush War, along with two of his friends at the time, Major General Mugisha Muntu and Colonel Jet Mwebaze. [7]

Obote's security services at the time caught wind of their impending departure for the bush and mounted an attack on the NRA's transit house, a shop in the country's capital city, Kampala. It is said that Tumukunde alongside Muntu posed as shopkeepers, surviving what would have been sure torture and death. In the early stages of the war, Tumukunde was a machine gunner and eventually went on to become one of the senior officers in the rebel army, indicated by his senior number RA 0111. [7]

In 1984, during one of the bigger battles with the then Uganda army in Luweero District, Tumukunde was shot multiple times in his legs. The wounds were so major that it was thought he would not survive. He was, however, smuggled out of the country to Nairobi and eventually to London, where he was operated on. [8]

Presidential aspirations

On 3 March 2020, Tumukunde declared that he will be challenging Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the seat of presidency in 2021. In a press briefing, Tumukunde attributed his decision to the fact that the NRM party and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni were not ready to discuss a peaceful transition of power. [9] On 7 June 2020, following the 2020 Malawian presidential election, Tumukunde called for all opposition parties in Uganda to unite behind a single presidential candidate in 2021. [10] He ran as an independent candidate for president in the 2021 Ugandan general election.

Postwar career

On capturing power, Tumukunde was promoted to the rank of major and appointed first secretary and military attache at the Ugandan Embassy in the United Kingdom. Subsequently, Tumukunde was sent on a Senior Command and Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, in Kaduna, Nigeria, from where he emerged as one of the best students. On his return to Uganda he was appointed as the army's director of planning. Tumukunde served in this role for many years and was very instrumental in the setup of formal military structures in the UPDF, which had until then been a rebel army. [7]

In 1994, Uganda held elections for the Constituent Assembly and Tumukunde sought to represent his home county, Rubabo in Rukungiri district. His main competitor was a government minister and senior figure Mondo Kagonyera. Tumukunde, who was in early thirties at the time, was thought to be the underdog in the race; however, Tumukunde was a very good mobiliser and won by a landslide margin. Tumukunde then joined the CA, which formulated the current 1995 Ugandan Constitution. Tumukunde was known to be a regular and astute contributor to the sessions and debates that preceded the formation of the Constitution. [7]

Following the adoption of the constitution, Uganda held elections and Tumukunde subsequently became a Member of Parliament representing the Army as a special interest group. He went on to serve as an MP until 2005. In addition to this, Tumukunde was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and appointed Chief of Personnel and Administration. He is credited with having introduced the promotional exams system (PROMEX) for officers in the army which remains in use to date.

In 1998, Tumukunde was again promoted to the rank of colonel and appointed chief of military intelligence and security. His tenure was arguably the most successful by any officer as it is during this time that Al-Qaeda's plan to bomb the American embassy in Kampala was thwarted. It was also a time when bombings were rampant within the capital Kampala, and once again Tumukunde formed several intelligence committees within the city and the problem was managed. Tumukunde also built an amicable rapport with the Muslim community, which many had accused of spearheading the attacks, so much so that key intelligence information was forwarded to him with ease. Arguably, it was during his term that the Ugandan intelligence apparatus was at its most efficient. [7] 

Tumukunde was then promoted to the rank of brigadier general and transferred to command the UPDF Fourth Division based in Gulu. At the time, the war with the LRA was ongoing and Tumukunde made significant headway during his time as Division Commanding Officer in diminishing the threat of the Lords Resistance Army. He later played a role in initiating the peace negotiations process with the rebels and also directed the army's efforts in containing the Ebola virus epidemic which had hit the Northern Uganda region at the time. [7]

In 2000, Tumukunde was appointed as the director general of the Internal Security Organisation, Uganda's domestic intelligence agency. During his time at ISO, Tumukunde set up structures that returned the agency to being the country's foremost intelligence gathering body, just as he had done with CMI. The Internal Security Organisation became renowned for its efficient and effective approach towards intelligence and counter-terrorism. [7]

The fallout

Tumukunde's fast rise to the upper echelons of both the political and military scene in Uganda marked him out as one of Uganda's most popular and well-known figures and ultimately, this, alongside his very strong minded and unrelenting dedication to his country, brought him into the sights of the very institutions he helped to consolidate. [7]

At a political retreat in 2003, Tumukunde, in the presence of the President and his cabinet, argued against the impending removal of term limits that would give President Museveni the right to stand for re-election on an infinite basis. Tumukunde stated that this would be in direct contravention of the rights that they fought to establish and that he was not willing to take part in what he considered to be grossly unconstitutional behaviour. Predictably, this put him at loggerheads with the establishment and more so the president. [7]

Arrests and detentions

Tumukunde was charged with the offences of ‘abuse of office’ and ‘spreading harmful propaganda’. The abuse of office charges were eventually dropped in a manner suggesting that they had been politically motivated in the first instance. What followed was, however, a surprise to many. Tumukunde was on 28 May 2005 forced to resign from Parliament and subsequently arrested on the orders of the president. [11]

His home was surrounded by at least 50 soldiers commanded by generals Kale Kayihura and Joshua Masaba who proceeded to arrest him. Tumukunde was then driven in a tightly guarded convoy to an officers' mess turned detention center, where he was incarcerated for nearly two years, during which time he had limited and tightly controlled contact with the outside world. His extrajudicial detention coupled with a series of controversial and uncertain court martial hearings seemed to backfire leading to irreversible pressure culminating in his release in 2007. His arrest followed his opposing views to the proposed "kisanja" project that suggested a revision to the Constitution of Uganda enabling one to serve an unlimited number of terms as president, removing the two-term maximum limit. [12]

On 18 April 2013, the UPDF General Court Martial sat to bring an end to the process that had lasted eight years and summed up its deliberations. The charge of spreading harmful propaganda was dropped while the joint charge of military misconduct was upheld and Tumukunde was subsequently sentenced to a severe reprimand. [13]

Post-presidential bid declaration arrest

On 12 March 2020, less than two weeks after announcing his presidential bid, General Tumukunde was arrested at his office in Kampala on allegations of treason.

On 19 November 2020, Tumukunde suspended his presidential campaign in response to the arrest of fellow opposition candidate Bobi Wine. [14] Two days later, Tumukunde and Wine, along with fellow opposition presidential candidates Mugisha Muntu, Norbert Mao, and Patrick Amuriat Oboi, agreed to form an alliance together. [15]

Promotion and retirement

On 1 September 2015, the Daily Monitor reported that Tumukunde had been promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and then retired with full honours from the Army after thirty four years of service. He effectively skipped the rank of major general. [16]

Appointment to Cabinet

On 6 June 2016, he was appointed to the Cabinet as the Minister of National Security. [17] He was relieved of his cabinet responsibilities on the evening of Sunday, 4 March 2018, in a presidential tweet, in which General Kale Kayihura, the inspector general of police, was also fired. [4]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rukungiri District</span> District in Western Uganda, Uganda

Rukungiri District is a district in the Western Region of Uganda. The town of Rukungiri is the site of the district headquarters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janet Museveni</span> Ugandan politician (born 1948)

Janet Kainembabazi Museveni is a Ugandan politician who has been the First Lady of Uganda since 1986. She is married to President Yoweri Museveni, with whom she has four children. She has been Cabinet Minister of Education and Sports in the Ugandan Cabinet, since 6 June 2016, although her own education record is questioned. She previously served as Minister for Karamoja Affairs in the Cabinet of Uganda from 27 May 2011 until 6 June 2016. She also served as the elected Member of Parliament representing Ruhaama County in Ntungamo District, between 2011 and 2016. She published her autobiography, My Life's Journey, in 2011.

Salim Saleh is a retired Ugandan military officer who served in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), the armed forces of Uganda. He is a brother to the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, and an adviser to the President on military matters. He served as Minister of State for microfinance from 2006 to 2008. Saleh has featured in controversies regarding corruption, including being implicated by the UN Security Council for plundering natural resources in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mugisha Muntu</span> Ugandan politician

Gregory Mugisha Muntuyera, commonly referred to as Mugisha Muntu, is a Ugandan politician and retired military officer. He is the current President of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), a political party he founded in March 2019. He previously served as the President of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), an opposition political party, from 2012 to 2017. In September 2018, General Muntu parted ways with the FDC citing ideological differences with the new FDC leadership of Hon.Patrick Oboi Amuriat. On 27 September 2018 he announced in a televised press conference that he and some other leaders had begun what he called The New Formation which later became the ANT.

Major General James Kazini (1957–2009) was a Ugandan army officer who served as commander of the Uganda People's Defense Force from 2001 to 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeje Odongo</span> Ugandan politician

General Haji Abubaker Jeje Odongo is a Ugandan senior military officer and politician. In June 2021, he was appointed Uganda's cabinet minister for Foreign Affairs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aronda Nyakairima</span> Ugandan politician and Military Officer

Aronda Nyakairima was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served in the cabinet of Uganda as minister of internal affairs from 2013 until his death on 11 September 2015. Previously, he served as the chief of defence forces in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) from 2003 to 2013.

General Elly Tumwine, was a Ugandan military officer, professional artist, and educator. He was the former Security Minister in the Cabinet of Uganda, from March 2018 until 2021. He retired from active military service in July 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ivan Koreta</span> Ugandan general

Ivan Koreta is a Ugandan military officer, diplomat and legislator. He is a General in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and a representative for the armed forces in the Parliament of Uganda; where he serves as a member of the Public Accounts Committee and the Committee on Presidential Affairs.

Charles Angina is a lieutenant general in the Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF). As of August 2021, he is awaiting assignment at the Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Before that, from 2016 until July 2021, he served as the deputy chief coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), a development program operated by the Ugandan military.

Samuel Turyagyenda is a Ugandan police officer, professional pilot and army officer. He served as the commander of the Air Force in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). He was appointed to that position in May 2013 having been Deputy Commander of the Uganda Air Force, immediately prior to his appointment. He retired in July 2019.

Major General Elly Kayanja, is a Ugandan military officer in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). Effective September 2014, he is the Head of Operation Wealth Creation Programme, whose objective is to improve the standard of living of rural citizens, through farming. Previously, he served as the Deputy Director of National Intelligence, under General David Sejusa. Prior to that, he served as the Director General of the Internal Security Organisation.

Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, is Ugandan army officer. He currently serves as Commander Of Land forces in UPDF. He was appointed to that position in October 2022 by the President of Uganda and Commander in chief of the UPDF, Yoweri Museveni. He previously served as commander of the Uganda People's Defence Force contingent in Eastern DRC under operation code named Operation Shujja. He was appointed to that position in January 2021 by General Yoweri Museveni, the Commander in Chief of the UPDF and the President of Uganda. Prior to that, Maj. General Muhanga served as the commandant of the military police within the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF).

Major General Fred Ociti Tolit, is a military officer in the Uganda People's Defense Force. He currently serves as Uganda's Defense Attaché to South Africa, based at the country's embassy in Pretoria. He previously served as Uganda's defence attaché to Burundi, based at Uganda's Embassy in Bujumbura, since 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (Uganda)</span>

The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA) is a government ministry responsible for the national defence and security of Uganda. In this capacity, its role is to preserve, defend and protect the people, property, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, contributing to regional stability and supporting international peace initiatives.

General Joram Mugume, is a military officer in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). He is the chairman of the board of directors of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the business arm of the UPDF. He was appointed to that position by the Uganda Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, on 20 February 2018. He has also served as the chairman of the "Military Land Board", an organ of the UPDF. He has been serving in that position since 2005, having served as Deputy Chief of Defense Forces in the past.

Felix Kulayigye is a brigadier general in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). Effective 4 February 2022, he is the official spokesperson of the UPDF, replacing Brigadier Flavia Byekwaso, who was sent on a course at the National Defense College, Uganda. This is his second tour in the same post, having served in this role from 2005 until 2013.

Major General Steven Sabiiti Muzeyi, is a Ugandan military officer and police officer, who served as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) of the Uganda Police Force, the second-highest rank in that branch of Uganda's government, effective 4 March 2018 to Tuesday 16 December 2020. He replaced Martin Okoth Ochola, who was promoted to Inspector General of Police. Immediately prior to his assignment as Deputy IGP, Sabiiti, at the rank of brigadier, served as the Commander of the Military Police of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). Sabiiti was replaced as Deputy IGP by Major General Paul Lokech. On Friday, 5 February 2021, Major Genenral Sabiiti Muzeyi was appointed General Manager Luwero Industries, a subsidiary of National Enterprise Corporation (NEC).

Joseph Musanyufu, is a lieutenant general in the Uganda People's Defence Force,(UPDF), who serves as the joint chief of staff of the UPDF, the third highest rank in the military who is known to have only one son Musanyufu C junior. Immediately prior to his present position, Musanyufu served as the chief of personnel and administration in the UPDF, a position that he was appointed to in 2014.

Colonel Frank Kaka Bagyenda, is a Ugandan retired military officer in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). Effective 20 October 2020, He is Uganda's Ambassador to Angola following his appointment by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He is the former Director General of the Internal Security Organisation, Uganda government's counter intelligence agency, responsible for providing national security intelligence to Uganda's policy makers. A position he held between January 2017 to October 2020.

References

  1. 1 2 POU (October 2016). "Parliament Of Uganda Members Of The 10th Parliament: Tumukunde Henry". Kampala: Parliament of Uganda (POU). Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  2. Kwesiga, Pascal (19 April 2013). "Brigadier Tumukunde To Stay In Army". New Vision . Kampala. Retrieved 7 February 2013.
  3. Uganda State House (6 June 2016). "Uganda's New Cabinet As At 6 June 2016". Scribd.com. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  4. 1 2 AFP (5 March 2018). "Yoweri Museveni fires police chief, security minister". Daily Nation Quoting Agence France-Presse (AFP). Retrieved 5 March 2018.
  5. Alfred Tumushabe, Perez Rumanzi, and Risdel Kasasira (20 July 2013). "Tumukunde Cries Out On UPDF Ranks". Daily Monitor . Kampala. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  6. Ssenkabirwa, Al-Mahdi (9 August 2010). "Army Officials Finally Pass LDC Exams". Daily Monitor . Kampala. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Analysis: The Rise And Fall Of Brigadier Tumukunde". Chimpreports.com. 1 March 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  8. Kiggundu, Edris (19 November 2014). "Uganda: Besigye Is A Hero – Brig Tumukunde". The Observer (Uganda) via AllAfrica.com . Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  9. Paul Ampurire (3 March 2020). "Former Security Minister, Henry Tumukunde Announces Presidential Bid". Kampala: SoftPower Uganda. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  10. "Tumukunde calls for united opposition to defeat Museveni".
  11. Frank Nyakairu, and Jennifer Nakalema (9 April 2004). "Uganda: Tumukunde On Fresh Charges". Daily Monitor via AllAfrica.com . Kampala. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  12. Mutaizibwa, Emma (18 January 2013). "Tumukunde Faces Death, Life In Jail". The Observer (Uganda) . Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  13. Mutaizibwa, Emma (21 April 2013). "Feature: What Next for Brigadier Tumukunde?". The Observer (Uganda) . Kampala. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  14. "Gen Tumukunde, Muntu suspend campaigns over the arrest of Bobi Wine and Amuriat". 19 November 2020.
  15. "Presidential candidates join forces to deal with police brutality". 21 November 2020.
  16. Kasasira, Risdel (1 September 2015). "Brigadier Tumukunde Promoted, Then Retired". Daily Monitor . Kampala. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  17. Uganda State House (6 June 2016). "Museveni's new cabinet list At 6 June 2016" (PDF). Daily Monitor . Kampala. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 October 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.