President Museveni has spoken out on why he retained Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire in Cabinet.
Museveni said Kahinda played a pivotal role in the liberation struggles that removed past dictatorial regimes.
“Otafiire could have made mistakes that led to his loss but I couldn’t forget his historical contribution to Uganda,” said Museveni
“Even when he lost his MP seat, I retained him in cabinet because of his contribution to the revolutionary struggle,” he added.
Museveni made the remarks while attending Otafiire’s thanksgiving ceremony at Kashenshero Secondary School in Mitooma District on Sunday.
The President early this year dropped 35 ministers most of whom lost Parliament elections.
They included Daudi Migereko (Lands), Henry Muganwa Kajura (Public Service), Crispus Kiyonga (Defence), Rose Akol (Internal Affairs), Fred Ruhindi (Attorney General), Maria Mutagamba (Tourism), John Nasasira (ICT), Jim Muhwezi, (Information) and Tress Buchanayandi (Agriculture) among others.
Museveni, however, spared his long-time friend Otafiire.
The controversial minister is seen as extremely loyal to the President.
While other NRA bush war fighters have abandoned Museveni or joined the opposition, Otafiire remains a close ally of the incumbent
Otafiire is said to have caused the arrest of MP seat rival Donozio Kahonda during campaigns, a development ChimpReports understands angered locals who would later vote overwhelmingly for the latter.
Museveni also spoke about his first encounter with Otafiire.
“I met Otafiire in 1974 during the anti-Amin struggle. I have known him to be on the right path of the Movement,” said Museveni.
“We should not forget elders’ contributions and sacrifices, otherwise people may stop sacrificing for their country,” he added.