Tough exchange between Otafiire, journalists over retirement questions

Kahinda Otafiire
General Kahinda Otafiire, the member of Parliament for Ruhinda County

Kampala, Uganda | URN | General Kahinda Otafiire, the Member of Parliament for Ruhinda County who bounced back in the 11th Parliament after suffering defeat in the 10th Parliament has taken oath.  

Gen. Otafiire who emerged victorious in the newly created constituency says that he will use his experience for the last 35 years to improve the quality of life for the people in Uganda and for the glory, dignity and the liberation of the African people.   

In an interview with journalists, he said his mission in the 11th Parliament transcends constitutional aspirations. He says he will serve his constituents, but also added that he has a greater calling to serve Africa. 

However, all turned around when two journalists asked Gen. Otafiire when he will retire before a question was also asked on the transition from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.   

When journalists asked Gen. Otafiire when he will retire,  he fired back asking the journalists when they will also retire. Gen. Otafiire questioned why he should retire if his people are still voting for him. 

Gen. Otafiire went ahead to say that when someone is your dad, he does not stop being your dad. He says he is focused on serving the people of Africa and yet journalists are asking him about retirement. He made it clear that Africa has not yet been liberated. 

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Gen. Otafiire was also asked what new things he will bring to Parliament after being in Parliament for a long time. He questioned what the journalists actually mean saying he has been here for a long time. 

He says he will ensure Africa is well and that is how Uganda will also be okay. He says he didn’t come to Parliament because he was looking for votes, but he came in as a freedom fighter.    

When asked about transition from President Museveni to another President and if these discussions were being held in the Party, Gen. Otafiire questioned if the journalist wished President Museveni dead. 

He says no non-member of NRM deserves to know if NRM is talking about it. He says it is only NRM which decides. Journalists also challenged him saying NRM represents Ugandans, but Gen. Otafiire said it is NRM business.