President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on March 4 appointed General Elly Tumwine as Minister for Security, and he was yesterday approved by the Parliament’s appointment committee.
The born-again soldier was initially working as senior presidential advisor, army member of parliament and member of the Military High Command.
Tumwine’s move to office comes at a time of increased tension among citizens due to rampant unresolved murder cases in several parts of the country.
Speaking to media reporters about how he feels about the new appointment, Gen Tumwine said: “There is a reason why God keeps every person alive and there is a purpose for it. To be here in this world and even to have life is by God’s grace. It is God’s timing.”
He added, “God is the one who knows when we should do what. If God has chosen and the president found it fitting that I serve in this capacity, then it is by God’s grace to be alive. It is for that reason that I am here to serve as security minister. It is all glory to God for life and for being found useful to serve in this capacity.”
Gen Tumwine said security is the responsibility of each and everyone in the country.
“It is not only the duty of Gen Tumwine, or the inspector General of Police, the Chief of defense forces but everyone is responsible. Let us maintain the goodwill – When we are coordinated, united and focused on ensuring security at every level, we must use our God-given senses, ears, eyes and connections. I think that will be the best security,” he said.
General Elly Tumwine (born 12 April 1954) is also a professional artist (he designed the flag, the emblem and the green and camouflage uniforms of the army), and educator. He served as Commander of the National Resistance Army from 1984 to 1987.
During the early years of the war, sources say he was in charge of a unit that controlled the Kampala-Hoima road, especially in Kateera. In the process, he lost an eye during a battle in the rocky hills of Bukomero, not far away from Katera.
In regard to the rampant killings across the country, Gen Tumwine said a lot has already been done before he congratulated his predecessors who have been in those positions.
“They have been building a good foundation. We have been building on this specifically and deliberately strengthening the security of Uganda. I want to build on this foundation. There is an acronym WAR (willingness, ability and readiness), I am willing, able and ready.
“30 years ago, Uganda was down and it has been growing. Once a tree puts on more branches and grows more leaves, it drops more leaves than before and it is more vulnerable compared to when it was still small. Uganda has been developing economically and there is a lot of money around and property. There are many temptations but the capacity is growing and I am sure we have bigger and better capacity than ever before to deal with security,” he said.
On fostering a healthy relationship between security operatives and media, Gen Tumwine purported that if all journalists in Uganda were conscious of the implications of whatever they are going to put out, “I can tell you that this country would be a great one.”
“We should work closely with the media. If they want us to have training to find ways of strengthening security in the country, let them propose this, if we can work together, we shall save this country which is our common interest – I want to pray that God uses us all not only to fight insecurity, but also corruption,” he said.
By Paul W Dennis.
